| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Poisoning from inhalation of carbon monoxide. |
| Alternative Names | |
| Poisonous Ingredient | |
| Where Found | any combustion device such as automobiles emit carbon monoxide in its exhaust portable propane heaters barbecues burning charcoal portable or non-vented natural gas appliances/furnaces/water heaters Note: Charcoal should never be burned indoors! This list may not be all inclusive. |
| Symptoms | body as a whole headache irritability confusionfainting impaired judgment unconsciousness bizarre behavior respiratoryshortness of breathincreased rate of breathingchest painstop breathing eyes, ears, nose, and throat bluish color to lips skin bluish color to fingernails pale skin gastrointestinal nausea and vomiting heart and blood vessels abnormal heart beat rapid heart beat low blood pressure nervous system hyperactivityconvulsionscomashock |
| Home Treatment | Get the individual out into fresh air and ventilate area. Call an ambulance immediately. Artificial respiration may need to be administered by a qualified individual if the individual has stopped breathing. PREVENTION Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your residence, and an additional detector in the area of any major gas burning appliances such as a furnace or water heater. Conduct regular maintenance and inspection of gas burning equipment in the home. |
| Before Calling Emergency | Determine the following information: the patient's age, weight, and condition how long they may have been exposed to the carbon monoxide if known |
| Poison Control, or a local emergency number | They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. |
| What to expect at the emergency room | Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: oxygen will be administered vital signs will be monitored various medications may be administered if needed possible hyperbaric oxygen therapy at an HBO facility |
| Expectations (prognosis) | If the individual recovers, it will be slowly. Depending on the exposure levels of carbon monoxide and the time of exposure, permanent brain damage may occur. If the individual still has symptoms of impaired mental ability after two weeks, the likelihood of complete recovery is not very good. Even if an individual is symptom free for a while, impaired mental ability can reappear within the first 1-2 weeks. |
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