SAF-109 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

by

SAF-109
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By Earl Pack, AE5PA

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and nearly odor free gas. It, like a few other gases, is more readily absorbed by the red blow cells (hemoglobin) than is oxygen. In fact CO binds irreversibly to hemoglobin. As a result, oxygen is displaced by carbon monoxide which can lead to tissue damage and likely suffocation and death. CO is poisonous to humans and animals.

Appliances, vehicles, equipment, etc. that are fueled by gasoline, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), oil, kerosene, coal, wood, charcoal, etc. produce CO as a result of incomplete combustion. Examples:

  • Fuel-burning space heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Charcoal grills
  • Cooking ranges
  • Water heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Generators
  • Wood-burning stoves
  • Car and truck engines

The accumulation of CO in a poorly ventilated space is where the danger occurs. Too many people die each year from CO poisoning which is easily preventable. The signs of CO poisoning can be subtle and different depending on the concentration levels, length of exposure, and a person’s health conditions. In any case this is a life-threatening medical emergency and immediate medical care must be given to someone with CO poisoning.

Symptoms
Initial symptoms are similar to the flu, without the fever. They include:

  • Dull headache. I personally get a rapid onset severe headache.
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness

CO causes people to be sleepy and if they are asleep it prevents them from waking up. The exposure to CO can become fatal before anyone is even aware there is a problem.

Risk factors
Carbon monoxide exposure may be more dangerous for:

  • Unborn babies. The fetal hemoglobin absorbs CO more readily than adult.
  • Children. Young children breathe more frequently than adults.
  • Older adults may be more likely to have brain damage.

Permanent brain and heart damage can lead to complications years after the poising has occurred.

Treatment
If you suspect you or someone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide, get them into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care. Medical staff will want to know the source of the CO, the signs and symptoms and when they started plus any mental impairment, confusion, memory problems, loss of consciousness, other medical conditions the person may have. Medical treatment may involve:

  • Breathing pure oxygen.
  • Spending time in a pressurized oxygen chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used in severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning or if the person is pregnant.

Prevention
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. The simple and common sense prevention is to never run a carbon monoxide producing device in a confined space without proper ventilation.

Amateur Radio Operators
How does this apply to amateur radio? Where can we become exposed to CO while assisting with emergency communications?

  • First of all your family/home. You may be away helping someone else so make sure you family members are aware of the danger and how to prevent an incident. Teach them how to safely run a generator and other devices.
  • In temporary emergency communication shelters, make sure there is proper ventilation and the generator is far enough away and the wind direction such that you are protected. Some adjustments may need to be made as the wind direction changes.
  • In permanent buildings using portable generators, make sure the exhaust does not get pulled in through building vents, windows, etc.
  • Running you vehicle to charge your battery which is powering your radio. I personally use a gel cell battery while operating from my vehicle in a fixed location so that I do not have this concern and to ensure my vehicle will start when I am ready to leave.

The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning have been well understood since 1850. The public has been warned but there are still hundreds of deaths each year. Some common sense and providing a warning system while you sleep are the keys to prevention.

That concludes tonight’s training. Are there any questions, comments or suggested additions to this material?

Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control.