Carbon monoxide is called oxygen poison for a reason - when it enters the body, it quickly comes into contact with hemoglobin and blocks the transfer of oxygen to cells, and also disrupts the biochemical balance in tissues. As a result, the body experiences oxygen starvation.
Since nerve cells especially strongly feel the lack of oxygen, the first poisoning manifests itself in the form of a malfunction nervous system... The person begins to feel dizziness, headache, knocking on and off. A slight lack of coordination is also possible.
For mild poisoning carbon monoxide also characteristic symptoms such as lacrimation, chest pain, vomiting, skin redness, increased blood pressure, tachycardia. Auditory and visual hallucinations are also possible. With moderate severity, there is a feeling of drowsiness, paralysis with preservation of consciousness is possible.
A severe degree of carbon monoxide poisoning is manifested by loss of consciousness, convulsions, weakening of the reaction of the pupils to light, involuntary bowel movements, blue discoloration of the skin, and respiratory failure. If you do not immediately provide assistance at this stage, coma, respiratory arrest and death are possible.
Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning
Mild carbon monoxide poisoning, if timely and correct medical care is provided, usually does not entail serious consequences for the body. In other cases, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral edema, impaired vision and hearing, polyneuritis, myocardial infarction, partial paralysis, skin disorders with the development of necrosis are possible. And with a long stay in a state of coma, there is almost always a severe degree.
Medical care for carbon monoxide poisoning
Anyone affected by carbon monoxide in any condition must first be taken out to fresh air. In case of moderate and severe poisoning, it is necessary to provide him with peace, unfasten his belt, shirt, remove his tie and insure. After that, you need to call an ambulance, otherwise it can be fatal. In case of mild carbon monoxide poisoning, the victim must be allowed to sniff a cotton swab dipped in ammonia and a glass of strong tea. And then provide him with peace and a long stay on fresh air.
If poisoning occurs carbon monoxide , then it comes about a serious pathological condition. It develops if a certain concentration enters the body. carbon monoxide .
This condition is dangerous to health and life, and if you do not turn to specialists for help in a timely manner, death from carbon monoxide can occur.
Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, CO) is a product that is released during combustion and released into the atmosphere. Since the poison gas has no smell or taste, and it is impossible to determine its presence in the air, it is very dangerous. In addition, it can penetrate soil, walls, filters. Many people are interested in the question, is carbon monoxide heavier or lighter than air, the answer is that it is lighter than air.
That is why it is possible to determine that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is exceeded by applying special devices... It is also possible to suspect CO poisoning if a person rapidly develops some signs.
In urban environments, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air is increased by vehicle exhaust gases. But poisoning by car exhaust gases can occur only at high concentrations.
How does CO affect the body?
This gas enters the bloodstream very quickly and actively binds to. As a result, it produces carboxyhemoglobin which is more closely related to hemoglobin than oxyhemoglobin (oxygen and hemoglobin). The resulting substance blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissue cells. As a result, it develops hemic type.
Carbon monoxide in the body binds to myoglobin (it is a protein of skeletal muscle and heart muscle). As a result, the pumping function of the heart decreases, and severe muscle weakness develops.
Same carbon monoxide enters into oxidative reactions, which disrupts the normal biochemical balance in the tissues.
Where can carbon monoxide poisoning occur?
There are many situations in which carbon monoxide poisoning is possible:
- poisoning by combustion products during a fire;
- in the premises where it is operated gas equipment, and at the same time there is no normal ventilation, there is not enough supply air, which is necessary for the normal combustion of gas;
- in those industries where CO is involved in the reactions of synthesis of substances ( acetone , phenol );
- in places where car exhaust gases can accumulate due to insufficient ventilation - in tunnels, garages, etc.;
- at home, when a lamp gas leaks;
- when staying for a long time near very busy highways;
- with prolonged use kerosene lamp if the room is not ventilated;
- if the oven damper was closed too early home oven, fireplace, sauna stove;
- when using breathing apparatus with poor quality air.
Who can suffer from CO hypersensitivity?
- people who have been diagnosed with depletion of the body;
- those who suffer;
- future mothers;
- adolescents, children;
- those who smoke a lot;
- people who abuse alcohol.
You should know that organs and systems in case of carbon monoxide poisoning are more quickly affected in women. Symptoms of poisoning appear very similar. methane .
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in humans are described below, depending on the concentration of CO. Symptoms of household gas poisoning and poisoning from other sources manifest themselves in different ways, and by how carbon monoxide (not carbon dioxide, as it is sometimes mistakenly called) acts on a person, one can assume how strong its concentration in the air was. However, carbon dioxide in high concentrations can also lead to poisoning and the manifestation of a number of alarming symptoms.
Concentration up to 0.009%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 3-5 hours:
- decrease in the speed of psychomotor reactions;
- increased blood flow in vital organs;
- people with heart failure in severe form, chest pain is also noted.
Concentration up to 0.019%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 6 hours:
- efficiency decreases;
- shortness of breath with medium physical activity;
- headache , not very pronounced;
- visual impairment;
- death of those who suffer from severe heart failure is possible, fetal death can also occur.
Concentration 0.019-0.052%
- severe throbbing headache;
- irritability, instability of the emotional state;
- nausea;
- violation of attention, memory;
- fine motor problems.
Concentration up to 0.069%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:
- vision problems;
- more pain in the head;
- confusion of consciousness;
- weakness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- runny nose.
Concentration 0.069-0.094%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:
- severe motor impairment (ataxia);
- appearance;
- strong, rapid breathing.
Concentration 0.1%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 2 hours:
- weak pulse;
- state of fainting;
- convulsions;
- breathing becomes rare and shallow;
- condition .
Concentration 0.15%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 1.5 hours. The manifestations are similar to the previous description.
Concentration 0.17%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours.
The manifestations are similar to the previous description.
Concentration 0.2-0.29%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5 hours:
- convulsions appear;
- there is depression of respiration and cardiac activity;
- coma ;
- death is likely.
Concentration 0.49-0.99%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 2-5 minutes:
- there are no reflexes;
- the pulse is threadlike;
- deep coma;
- death.
Concentration 1.2%
Clinical manifestations are noted after 0.5-3 minutes:
- convulsions;
- lack of consciousness;
- vomit;
- death.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The table below summarizes the symptoms that appear when different degrees poisoning:
The mechanism of development of symptoms
Manifestation of symptoms different types associated with exposure to carbon monoxide. Let us consider in more detail the symptoms of different types and the features of the mechanisms of their manifestation.
Neurological
The greatest sensitivity to hypoxia show nerve cells as well as the brain. That is why the development of dizziness, nausea, headache indicate that oxygen starvation of cells occurs. More serious neurological symptoms appear as a consequence of severe or irreversible damage to nerve structures. In this case, convulsions, impaired consciousness occur.
Respiratory
When breathing becomes more frequent, the compensatory mechanism "turns on". However, if the respiratory center is damaged after poisoning, respiratory movements become superficial and ineffective.
Cardiovascular
Due to the insufficient amount of oxygen, more active cardiac activity is noted, that is tachycardia ... But due to hypoxia of the heart muscle, pain in the heart can also occur. If such pain becomes acute, it means that oxygen has completely stopped flowing to the myocardium.
Dermal
Due to the very strong compensatory blood flow to the head, mucous membranes and skin the heads turn blue-red.
If there has been carbon monoxide poisoning or natural gas poisoning of mild to moderate degrees, then for a long time a person may experience: dizziness and headaches. Also, his memory, intellectual abilities deteriorate, emotional fluctuations are noted, since in case of poisoning, the gray and white matter of the brain is affected.
The consequences of severe poisoning are usually irreversible. Very often, such lesions are fatal. In this case, the following severe manifestations are noted:
- subarachnoid hemorrhage;
- disorders of a skin-trophic nature (edema and tissues);
- cerebral edema ;
- violation of cerebral hemodynamics;
- deterioration of vision and hearing up to complete loss;
- polyneuritis ;
- pneumonia in a severe form, which is complicated by a coma;
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
Primarily, urgent care in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, it implies the immediate termination of a person's contact with the gas poisoning the body, as well as the restoration of all important functions of the body. It is imperative that whoever happens to be first aid, was not poisoned in the process of these actions. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to put on a gas mask, and only after that go to the room where the poisoning occurred.
Before the start of the PMP, you need to take out or remove the injured person from the room in which the concentration of carbon monoxide is increased. It is necessary to clearly understand what kind of gas CO is, and how quickly it can harm the body. And since each breath of poisoned air will only intensify negative symptoms, it is necessary to bring the victim to fresh air as soon as possible.
No matter how quickly and professionally first aid was provided, even if the person feels relatively well, it is necessary to call an ambulance. There is no need to be deceived by the fact that the victim jokes and laughs, because such a reaction can be triggered by the action of carbon monoxide on the vital centers of the nervous system. Only a professional doctor can clearly assess the patient's condition and understand what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If the degree of poisoning is mild, the victim should be given strong tea, warmed and ensured complete rest.
If confusion is noted, or it is absent altogether, the person should be laid on its side on flat surface, make sure that he receives an influx of fresh air by unfastening his belt, collar, underwear. Give a sniff ammonia holding the cotton wool at a distance of 1 cm.
In the absence of heartbeat and breathing, artificial respiration should be performed, massage of the sternum in the projection of the heart.
In an emergency, you must not act rashly. If there are still people in the burning building, you cannot save them on your own, as this can lead to an increase in the number of victims. It is important to immediately call the Ministry of Emergencies.
Even after several breaths of CO poisoned air, death of a person can occur. Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that a wet cloth or gauze mask can protect against the harmful effects of carbon monoxide. Only a gas mask can prevent the lethal effects of CO.
Carbon monoxide poisoning treatment
Do not practice home treatment after poisoning. A person in such a situation needs the help of specialists.
Provided that the victim is in critical condition, doctors carry out a complex of resuscitation measures. Immediately 1 ml of 6% antidote is injected intramuscularly. The victim must be taken to the hospital.
It is important that in such conditions the patient was provided with complete rest. He is provided with pure oxygen breathing (partial pressure 1.5-2 atm.) Or carbogen (composition - 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide). This procedure takes 3-6 hours.
Further, it is important to ensure the restoration of the functions of the central nervous system and other organs. The treatment regimen prescribed by a specialist depends on how severe the patient's condition is and whether the pathological reactions that occurred after poisoning are reversible.
To prevent natural gas and CO poisoning, it is important to follow the rules very carefully that will help prevent dangerous situations.
- If there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during certain work, they should only be carried out in rooms that are well ventilated.
- Carefully check the dampers of fireplaces, stoves, do not close them completely until the wood has burned out.
- In a room where CO poisoning can potentially occur, it is necessary to install autonomous gas detectors.
- If possible contact with carbon monoxide is planned, one capsule must be taken Acizola half an hour before such contact. The protective effect will last up to two and a half hours after taking the capsule.
Acyzol is a domestically produced drug that is an effective and fast-acting antidote against acute CO poisoning. It creates an obstacle to education in the body carboxyhemoglobin , and also speeds up the process of removing carbon monoxide.
The earlier you inject intramuscularly Acizol in case of poisoning, the greater the chances of a person to survive. Also, this medicine increases the effectiveness of those measures that will subsequently be taken for resuscitation and treatment.
conclusions
Thus, carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous condition. The higher the concentration of the gas, the more likely a lethal outcome. Therefore, it is very important to be extremely careful about observing all the rules of prevention, and at the first suspicion of such poisoning, immediately call for emergency help.
It is represented by a colorless gaseous body. It has neither taste nor smell. Carbon monoxide production is possible under conditions under which incomplete combustion of substances containing carbon occurs. The oxide is soluble in alcohol and benzene, poorly soluble in water.
Carbon monoxide is present in small quantities in the atmosphere, as well as in coal seams (in the form of inclusions). Carbon monoxide is toxic.
The component is present as a constituent in many aerosols and gases. So, for example, the share of carbon monoxide in generator gases is about 9-29%, explosive - about 60%, and in exhaust - about 6.3%.
Carbon monoxide enters the body and is released from it unchanged through the respiratory system. Having a high affinity for hemoglobin, it (carbon monoxide) provokes its blockade. In addition, carbon monoxide disrupts oxygen transport, inhibits tissue respiration, slows down the dissociation of oxyhemoglobin, and causes hypocapnia.
Carbon monoxide is able to quickly penetrate through poisoning, possibly in foundries, in boiler rooms, when testing motors, in vehicles, in garages, mines, in gas factories. In everyday life, with an illiterate heating of stoves or improper operation of gas stoves, intoxication can also occur.
When the consequences arise, it can be very serious. To determine the degree of intoxication, you should know about the symptoms of the condition.
Mild intoxication causes a headache (mainly in the forehead and temples), a feeling of "pulsation" in the temples, tinnitus, muscle weakness, vomiting, and dizziness. Poisoning is also accompanied by increased heart rate and respiration. A person experiences fainting conditions, in particular, during physical exertion. One of the first signs is a violation of the reaction speed and a disorder of color perception.
In case of moderate poisoning, there are gaps in consciousness for several hours. There is a sharp weakness, trembling. Carbon monoxide causes impaired coordination of movements. After the return of consciousness, a pronounced character develops.
With a severe form of intoxication, a person is in a protracted coma (for five to seven (or more) days). Cerebral lesions, seizures, tonic and clonic seizures, muscle rigidity are noted. Urination and bowel movements are involuntary. There is also increased sweating... The victim's complexion is bright scarlet. Intermittent breathing, hypotension, and a tendency to collapse are noted. Death is likely due to respiratory paralysis.
When coming out of a coma, a person is in a state of stunning for a fairly long period. Apathy develops. In some cases, there may be short-term delirium, motor agitation.
The prognosis is based on the depth and duration of the coma. With an increase in the symptoms of CNS depression on the second day, the prognosis is unfavorable.
After moderate and mild poisoning, it is possible to develop mononeuritis of the median, ulnar or peroneal nerve, possibly numbness, paralysis.
In chronic intoxication, the victim constantly complains of headaches, excessive fatigue, irritability, tinnitus. In addition, there is a regular short-term disorientation. Dizziness, shortness of breath, pain in the region of the heart are constantly observed.
Chronic intoxication contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis or complicates its course (if it was already present). Endocrine disorders, thyrotoxicosis, in particular, are frequent consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Potential sources of danger are poorly ventilated cars, home stove heating systems, various burners, and home fires. You can get poisoned by carbon monoxide even in a living room, if you regularly use faulty heating devices.
In most cases, poisoning with this gas occurs in winter time years when people actively use various heating systems for apartments, houses, cars, garages.
Carbon monoxide has a specific feature - it has no color or smell, so it is almost impossible to detect it indoors or in a car. If a person does not lose consciousness, then only after the symptoms of poisoning appear, he will begin to act.
As soon as the gas enters the body through the respiratory tract, it begins to interact with hemoglobin (hundreds of times faster than with oxygen). As a result, hemoglobin ceases to transport oxygen in the amount necessary for the life support of various organs. Also, carboxyhemoglobin is formed in the blood. It is he who blocks the transfer of oxygen to tissues and cells. This is how hypoxia of the hemic type develops.
In addition, carbon monoxide enters into oxidative reactions and disrupts the biochemical balance in cells.
If a person has survived carbon monoxide poisoning, but the necessary medical care was not provided to him on time, he may become disabled. In particular, various pathological disorders occur in the brain, which is fraught with psychological and neurological disorders of an irreversible nature.
In addition, after a while, serious diseases may begin to develop, for example, Parkinson's disease, pathologies in intellectual development, paralysis. Also, this kind of poisoning of the body strongly affects the optic nerves - often vision is partially or completely lost.
Therefore, the sooner the victim is given qualified assistance, the less serious health consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning he will receive. It is worth noting that this toxic gas acts on the female body less destructively than on the male.
After carbon monoxide poisoning, the patient needs a long course of treatment and rehabilitation. Even if there was a mild degree of intoxication, it is imperative to be observed by a specialist for several weeks. Only with its help will a full and effective therapeutic therapy be provided.
The main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning
All types of devices that operate on the basis of combustible fuel emit carbon monoxide during operation. And if these mechanisms are out of order or damaged, health problems cannot be avoided.
The main danger is posed by:
- Vehicle if left running indoors. The gas released by it will gradually fill the entire space.
- Various household heating appliances if improperly installed or used.
- Buildings where the chimney is malfunctioning, carbon monoxide does not pass through the mine and stagnates in living quarters.
- Household fires. Frequent cases of poisoning with fumes, if a person was in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
- Charcoal grill. In gazebos and closed rooms where the device is installed, harmful gas accumulates. Therefore, it is imperative to provide the grill with a good ventilation system.
- Scuba diving and others breathing apparatus... Care must be taken to ensure that they have a high-quality supply of fresh air.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning can appear both instantly, immediately after interaction with carbon monoxide, and over the course of many months. In the latter case, we are talking about pathological changes that have occurred due to the ingress of a toxic substance into the body.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may differ slightly with intoxication of varying severity:
- Mild poisoning... The victim is tormented by vomiting, weakness in the body, tinnitus. This is the first reaction from the brain, which is experiencing oxygen deprivation.
- Moderate poisoning... It is characterized by short-term memory loss, adynamia, tremors in the muscles, and movement disorders. Color blindness, double vision may appear. A couple of hours after poisoning, disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory and circulatory systems are possible. There is tachycardia, heart failure, rapid pulse. The victim may lose consciousness, which will predetermine death in the absence of outside help.
- Severe poisoning... With this form of intoxication, a person can be in a coma for a week. The victim has irreversible brain damage, frequent seizures and convulsions occur, the patient does not control the processes of defecation and urination, hyperhidrosis is noted. A person has ragged breathing, an elevated body temperature up to 38-39 degrees. Death is possible if respiratory paralysis occurs. Doctors can make any predictions of survival based on the length and depth of the coma.
Features of the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning
The victim must first of all be taken out to fresh air. A good draft should be arranged in the building - all windows and doors should be opened. After that, you need to urgently call an ambulance to provide qualified medical care.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
Before the arrival of doctors, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures to alleviate the condition of the victim. Help with carbon monoxide poisoning slowly, without fuss.
It usually includes the following procedures:
- Liberation of the human respiratory tract. Lay it on its side. Provide fresh air.
- Respiratory process activation. It is necessary to stimulate blood flow to the head. To do this, let the patient smell the ammonia, but do not bring the substance closer to the nose at a distance of less than 1 centimeter.
- Improving cerebral circulation. This can be done with the help of mustard plasters or simply rubbing the patient's chest and back.
- After the person regains consciousness, offer him tea or coffee. A hot drink will help tone the nervous system.
Remember! In any case, the patient should lie on his side so that the tongue does not sink or suffocation with vomit.
Drug therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning
Patients with moderate and severe poisoning are necessarily hospitalized. Outpatient treatment is possible with a mild form of intoxication.
The main antidote in the treatment of this type of intoxication is 100% oxygen. The required dose is 9-16 liters per minute. It comes through the mask. If the patient is unconscious, intubation is performed and transferred to a ventilator.
In the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning, infusion therapy is also used, which helps to correct hemodynamic disorders. The essence of such treatment is that the patient is given a course of sodium bicarbonate droppers. Polyionic solutions are also injected intravenously - Quartasol and Chlosol.
Acizol is also used to eliminate the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The drug accelerates the breakdown of harmful carboxyhemoglobin, helps oxygenate the blood, and reduces the effect of gas toxins on nerve cells and muscle tissues. Acizol is injected intramuscularly shortly after the gas enters the body. The next injection is given 60 minutes later.
Victims are also prescribed vitamins to help the body replenish energy costs. Intravenous administration of glucose solution may be prescribed.
Folk remedies for eliminating the consequences of gas poisoning
Traditional medicine will help get rid of the serious consequences of carbon monoxide intoxication. But it is worth noting that such treatment is recommended after the victim has received professional help and drug therapy.
Folk remedies recipes:
- Cranberry-lingonberry infusion... Required: 150 grams of dried cranberries and 200 grams of lingonberries. The ingredients are thoroughly ground. After they need to be poured with 350 milliliters of boiling water. The broth should be infused for 2-3 hours, then it must be filtered. The remedy is used 5-6 times a day, 2 tablespoons.
- Infusion of knotweed... Helps to remove harmful toxins from the body as soon as possible. Preparation: 3 tablespoons of chopped dry herb pour 0.5 liter of boiling water. Insist 3 hours, drain. Take 1 glass 3 times a day.
- Alcoholic infusion of Rhodiola rosea extract... The tincture can be bought at any pharmacy kiosk. Recommended dosage: Dissolve 7-12 drops of the extract in a glass of water. Drink half a glass twice a day. You can drink the infusion clean water sweetened with a little honey.
- Dandelion root infusion... This plant has excellent anti-toxic effects. Pour 10 grams of dry crushed raw materials with 250 milliliters of boiling water. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Then let the broth brew for another 40 minutes. Strain, dilute with 100 milliliters of warm boiled water. Drink 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
Ignorance of the symptoms of poisoning and the basics of first aid often becomes the reason that intoxication is fatal. Therefore, everyone should know what to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning, and also observe simple measures preventions to avoid this.
The prevention rules are as follows:
- Always check the functionality of combustible appliances before use. This will help to identify the breakdown in time and maintain health.
- Before the beginning heating season be sure to check chimneys, ventilation shafts.
- If the room does not work well ventilation system, always ventilate it well. Take immediate steps to improve ventilation.
- Do not start the car in an unventilated area.
- Never fall asleep while the car is running.
- Install a special sensor in your home that detects carbon monoxide leaks.
- Try to spend as little time as possible on busy highways where there are a lot of cars, especially during rush hours.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is easier and safer to prevent by following simple preventive measures. Remember that even in case of mild intoxication, a doctor's consultation is required! This will help avoid serious complications from poisoning with this toxic gas.
It is cold and damp outside the window, stoves and fireplaces are heated in the dachas. From the traditional wood heating many still do not refuse: not everyone has gas, and electric heaters are not very economical. And it’s difficult, perhaps, to replace with something a living flame, which is so pleasant to bask in on autumn evenings.
But a stove or fireplace can pose a threat to the life and health of its owner. And now we are not talking about the possibility of a fire. There is an invisible, imperceptible, insidious danger - carbon monoxide. Poisoning with this byproduct of combustion often leads to the death of people, so it will not be superfluous to know how to prevent the danger, and what to do if someone does get hurt.
A little bit of theory
Carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide (CO), is often referred to as the "silent killer." The main problem is that he has no color, no taste, no smell, does not cause any sensations at all (until it's too late). It is impossible to detect it "by eye", and for the victim, his presence remains unnoticed. At the same time, the gas spreads quickly, mixing with air without losing its toxic properties.For a person, carbon monoxide - strongest poison... Entering the body during breathing, it penetrates from the lungs into the circulatory system, where it combines with hemoglobin. As a result, the blood loses its ability to carry and deliver oxygen to tissues, and the body very quickly begins to experience oxygen deficiency. First of all, the brain suffers, but other organs may be damaged, depending on the general state of health. According to the old proverb: "Where it is thin, there it breaks."
By the way, it would be a mistake to think that the threat of poisoning exists only in houses with stove heating... Carbon monoxide formed by incomplete combustion of ANY fuel... Gas, coal, wood, gasoline and so on - it doesn't matter. Only the degree of risk is different.
The "leaders" in terms of the amount of carbon monoxide released during combustion include coal ... For the environment are considered the main source of pollution cars... They are potentially dangerous for their owners - every year many motorists die in own garages... The habit of working with the car's engine on (for heating) plus the lack of ventilation - and here's a sad result ...
Finally, according to scientists, in cigarette smoke CO concentration exceeds the maximum allowable by 8 times, so those who like to smoke indoors and those who find themselves with them are also at risk - especially if the ventilation is poor.
Natural gas itself is safe - but only if it is of proper quality, there is good ventilation and the use of serviceable equipment, established in accordance with all the rules. Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in apartments where they are gas water heaters, alas, are recorded annually.
We will finish with the theory and move on to purely practical questions: how to avoid poisoning and how to help the victim if it was not possible to prevent the problem.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
As a matter of fact, the majority already knows about it. However, poisoning does occur. This means that we will repeat what may seem banal and well-known rules to someone.1. Use only serviceable equipment
Cracks in the stove masonry, a clogged chimney and similar "little things" can lead to grave consequences.2. Ensure good ventilation
In city apartments, poisoning occurs just during the off-season: central heating not included, residents are saved from dampness and cold using gas stoves ... With insufficient ventilation, even such "safe" devices sometimes cause tragedies.In the country, hardly anyone heats up from gas stove, but gas water heaters in country houses- Not unusual. Actually, good ventilation needed in any home.
3. Do not close the oven damper until the coals are burnt out.
Everyone seems to know this. Nevertheless ... I will give a case from real life.My colleague got a house in the village from his mother, and she and her husband went there for the weekend until late autumn. They usually arrived on Friday - late at night, after work. In order not to go into cold house, asked the neighbor to heat the stove by this time. And then one day we arrived, as usual - the house is warm; had supper, went to bed ...
A colleague told me: woke up in the middle of the night from the fact that she felt bad. Lucky: many people fail to wake up - a significant proportion of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs during sleep... She grew up in the village, so she quickly realized what was what - the first thing she did was wake her husband up and flung open the doors to ventilate the house. I went out onto the porch to get some fresh air.
In the morning we asked a neighbor. It turned out that she - although she herself was also a village woman, had lived her entire life with stove heating - decided to close the damper early, so that it would be warmer. Out of good intentions. As the saying goes, there is a hole in the old woman too ... Superfluous confirmation: there is no need to hope "at random" in such matters - maybe you will be lucky, or maybe not ...
A colleague and her husband got off with a headache for the whole day and a jump in pressure. It can be considered a rare success, especially when you consider that both are people of age, with a whole "collection" of diseases ... She says: "God saved" - but it is not in vain that it says folk wisdom: Trust in God, but don't make a mistake yourself ... Therefore, I repeat: do not rush to close the oven damper. By the way, this also applies to the sauna stove in full measure.
4. Car enthusiasts, do not run the engine in the garage for heating
Ventilation here is often "lame" (see point 2), and therefore there is no need to tempt fate. If you are working in a garage during the cold season, use a safer heating appliance than a car engine.That's all, actually ... Isn't it quite easy to adhere to these rules? ..
Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning can vary markedly - depending on the degree of damage, the general condition of the body, existing diseases and other circumstances. However, you should certainly be alerted by such symptoms how:- dizziness, headache
- nausea, vomiting
- noise in ears
- shortness of breath, cough
- watery eyes.
The victim's condition is often agitated, but in some cases, on the contrary, lethargy and drowsiness are observed. There may be a disruption in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus (loss of balance, problems with coordination of movements), hearing and vision disorders. These symptoms may precede loss of consciousness.
In case of poisoning moderate and severe problems in the work of the cardiovascular system are very likely. Arrhythmias occur (you will notice that the pulse becomes uneven, intermittent); blood pressure drops, body temperature decreases. IN a similar situation without timely medical assistance, the victim may die from cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
At light poisoning(if the matter is limited to dizziness and nausea) it is usually sufficient to take (or carry) the person to fresh air. But until his condition completely returns to normal, observe, record any changes in order to come to the rescue in time, if necessary.At severe poisoning and defeats moderate usually requires hospitalization. And, in any case, you should not try to do without medical assistance - call an ambulance without delay.
Why? Firstly, in such cases it is difficult to predict how the situation will develop: sometimes the victim instantly dies from cardiac arrest; convulsions or paralysis may occur; respiratory depression and other symptoms that require immediate qualified intervention are very likely.
Secondly, carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous and the possibility of severe complications, including from the brain, respiratory system, cardiovascular system. Timely and properly provided medical care can prevent many of these complications.
The main task while waiting for the doctor is alleviate the condition of the victim as far as you can.
- If a chill begins, the temperature drops, wrap it up warmly, give it sweet tea (if the person is conscious, of course).
- Make yourself comfortable (and preferably in the fresh air or, at least, near open window) to make breathing easier.
- Calm down if scared or agitated.
- Lay the unconscious person on his side and make sure that his head does not tilt back, especially if vomiting suddenly occurs.
Consider: there is an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning... This drug is called acisole, is available in the form of capsules and in the form of a solution in ampoules (for intramuscular injection). It is highly desirable to keep it in a country first-aid kit (although not cheap, but life and health are more expensive). It is recommended for use, including, as a prophylactic agent- if there is a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. IN medicinal purposes this antidote (i.e. antidote) should be taken as early as possible; it reduces the likelihood of complications and significantly reduces the degree of exposure to the poison on the body.
However, I hope you never have to use these guidelines. But it is better to meet the danger fully armed - prepared and informed. And even better - to do everything to avoid such a meeting altogether.