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How long it takes to get carbon monoxide poisoning depends on the concentration in the air, as well as your age, gender, and general health
How long it takes to get carbon monoxide poisoning depends largely on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, as well as your age, gender, and general health.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for carbon monoxide is 9 ppm (parts per million) for over 8 hours, and this threshold must not be exceeded more than once a year.
- If the carbon monoxide concentration in the air is much higher, signs of poisoning may occur within 1-2 hours.
- A very high carbon monoxide concentration can even kill an exposed individual within 5 minutes.
For healthy workers, the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety limit is 50 ppm. Even lower levels of exposure, however, can cause long-term adverse effects on the heart, brain, and nerves if the exposure is prolonged. Children, people who smoke, and those with heart and lung conditions are at an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potentially fatal illness that occurs when carbon monoxide gas builds up in the blood.
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it replaces oxygen attached to the pigment hemoglobin in the blood. This hampers the delivery of oxygen to various tissues in the body, which can lead to serious damage and even death. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing thousands each year and mostly affecting people in their sleep.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is formed from burning fuel, such as gasoline, coal, propane, and wood, and it usually builds up in ill-ventilated places. Sources of carbon monoxide may include automobile engines, charcoal grills, indoor heating systems, tobacco smoke, leaky furnaces, water heaters that use natural gas, and gas stoves.
What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary depending on the severity of exposure and overall health of the person. In general, symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Chest pain or tightness
- Weakness
- Feeling sick
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty walking
- Impaired vision
- Seizure
- Coma
Can you survive carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be treated if you seek immediate medical attention.
If you suspect that someone has been poisoned with carbon monoxide, move them to fresh air while ensuring your own safety. Go to the emergency room or call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.