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CO enters the body through the lungs during the normal
breathing process. It competes with oxygen by replacing
it in the red blood cells, thereby reducing the flow of
oxygen to the heart, brain and other vital organs. In high
concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.
Many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning
indicate that while victims are aware they are not
feeling well, they become disorientated and unable to
save themselves by either exiting the building or calling
for assistance. Exposure during sleep is particularly
dangerous because the victim usually does not wake up.
Symptoms of CO poisoning
The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning
which all household members should be made aware of:
• Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting,
fatigue (often described as ‘flu-like’ symptoms).
• Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing headache,
drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
• Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions,
cardiorespiratory failure, death.
Your CO detector monitors the level of CO as parts
per million (ppm) in the atmosphere surrounding the
detector.
35ppm
The maximum allowable concentration for
continuous exposure for healthy adults in any 8
hour period, as recommended by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
