Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community & Home Care/Allamakee County Public Health warns of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during the winter months, with these facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide impedes the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues and vital organs. Carbon monoxide may be emitted by vehicle exhausts, fuel burning furnaces, coal burning power plants, small gasoline engines, portable gasoline-powered generators, power washers, fire places, charcoal grills, marine engines, forklifts, propane-powered heaters, gas water heaters, and kerosene heaters.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, and confusion. Hypoxia (severe oxygen deficiency) due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning may result in brain damage or heart damage.