Durham Regional Hospital Health Spot- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Durham, NC- Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Many things produce CO including appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, oil, kerosene, coal or wood. When not properly ventilated, the CO emitted by these appliances will build up and become dangerous and even deadly. Each year, in the United States, over 200 people die and several thousands visit an emergency department (ED) for treatment from CO poisoning, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to the American Lung Association, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with lung disease are at the highest risk for health problems caused by indoor air pollution, including carbon monoxide.

"We see CO poisoning more often during the winter, especially when there are power outages," says Tracy Stell, RN in the Emergency Department at Durham Regional Hospital. "Common causes are improperly functioning or vented heaters and using non-conventional means to heat like using charcoal grills or running a generator inside. Sometimes the better built a structure is, meaning the more airtight, the higher the risk for CO poisoning."

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

According to Stell, "If you suspect you are experiencing CO Poisoning visit an ED immediately. CO poisoning is treated with high concentration oxygen by face mask for a minimum of four hours for mild cases. Severe cases may get admitted and/or transferred to a center that has hyperbaric treatment available. Suspicion of CO poisoning is based on symptoms and history, diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test which tests the patient's carbon monoxide level."

Some ways to avoid CO poisoning are to have your chimney and heating system inspected and cleaned every year; have only qualified technicians install fuel-burning equipment; never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent; never leave your car running in a garage; choose vented appliances and do not use gasoline-powered tools inside a home.

"One of the best things you can do to prevent CO poisoning is to install a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home and garage," says Stell. "Carbon Monoxide detectors are inexpensive, easy to install and available at most home improvement centers and retail stores. The County Fire Marshal's office can assist the elderly in obtaining a carbon monoxide detector."

Durham Regional Hospital's Emergency Department features a highly trained staff who provide rapid, quality care for individuals requiring emergency care. For more information about Durham Regional's services or to find a physician, call 919-403-4DRH.