Because you can't taste or smell carbon monoxide, people often don't realize they are being affected by it until it's too late. When CO builds up in a person's bloodstream, the blood loses its ability to carry oxygen and death can occur
Mild Exposure
When someone is exposed to a low level of carbon monoxide, it is difficult to figure out what is going on. In time they begin to suffer from flu-like symptoms. Some people incorrectly guess they have food poisoning. They will have a frontal headache, runny nose, vertigo, nausea, sore eyes, irritability and a general weakness in their body. People with heart disease may experience chest pains. People usually figure out they are suffering from CO exposure when the flu-like symptoms disappear once they are out of the affected area.
Medium Exposure
When someone is in an area with a moderate level of carbon monoxide in the environment, they will feel the effects of the gas relatively rapidly. They will be dizzy and tired. Vomiting and nausea will occur. A person's mental capabilities will start to decrease and they will feel confused and disoriented. Thinking rationally is nearly impossible and a person won't be able to figure out what to do about what they are experiencing. A person can suffer from a lower life-expectancy if the CO exposure causes heart damage. If a woman is pregnant, the fetus can be severely affected by carbon monoxide exposure.
Extreme Exposure
If someone is exposed to a high concentration of carbon monoxide, it is imminently life threatening. If they are not immediately removed from the exposed area, the CO will be fatal as the carboxyhemoglobin in their blood will deprive their cells of oxygen at a rapid rate. Death can occur after a few brief minutes. First a person will suffer from convulsion, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and low mental capabilities. Eventually they will fall unconscious, suffer from brain damage and/or cardiac arrest and die.
Constant Low-level Exposure
If someone is chronically exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, chances are they won't even realize it until the symptoms are ongoing. Dizziness will be an issue as well as fatigue and mild headaches. People can suffer from illnesses such as depression and anorexia. Memory loss and chronic confusion can occur. In some cases permanent memory loss, amnesia and learning disabilities will unfold.
Sources:
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide: A Clear and Present Danger by Bob Dwyer
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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