Symptoms of CO poisoning
The following symptoms may be related to CO poisoning and should be discussed with all members of the household:
Low-level Exposure(less than 35 ppm):of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu-like symptoms, food poisoning or
other illnesses and can have significant long-term health risks if left untreated.
High Level Exposure (more than 35 ppm; less than 70ppm): Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Crisis Level Exposure (more than 70ppm): Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio respiratory failure, death.
9ppm – Maximum allowable CO in living space for 8 hours(ASHRAE)
9ppm - Maximum allowable outdoors 8 hours (EPA)
15-30ppm – First level reported to cause harmful affects(World Health Organization)
30ppm – Earliest onset of exercise induced angina(World Health Organization)
50 ppm - 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) in a work environment
70 ppm – First level U.L. approved alarms must go off 2-4 hours
200 ppm - Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours
400 ppm - Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours
800 ppm - Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours
These symptoms are typical for healthy adults. The critically or chronically ill, pregnant women, infants and others with respiratory
difficulties can be impacted earlier and experience more adverse effects.
