Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths and serious injuries each year. It is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Carbon Monoxide is a chemical produced from the incomplete burning of natural gas or other products containing carbon.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is toxic to humans because it is attracted to hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Normally, hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout our bodies, releasing it to tissues as needed. When CO gas is present, it replaces the oxygen, and in heavy concentrations, can kill in minutes. In lower concentrations the symptoms mimic the flu or other viruses.

The largest problem with Carbon Monoxide poisoning is the fact that it is commonly confused with the common cold. We use our furnaces a lot more during the winter months, as well as run the car in the garage in the mornings to warm it up. When the poisoning occurs the symptoms can be ignored and discarded as the flu, especially in the winter. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include:

• Persistent, severe headaches.
• Dizziness or blurred vision.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Chronic fatigue and drowsiness.
• Rapid pulsed or fluttering of the heart, tightness of the chest.
• Dizziness, fainting, unconsciousness, or dimmed vision
• The absence of any of these symptoms once you leave your house.
• Confusion, anxiety, irritability, disorientation, loss of muscle control.

Victims of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are at risk for a range of injuries including: brain injury, injury to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system; and the pulmonary system. These injuries can have devastating effects, including cognitive damage, executive functioning, memory loss, damage to learning processes, headaches, frustration and/or confusion.

Carbon Monoxide can be aggressively prevented however. Some of the best ways to detect and respond to Carbon Monoxide include:

• Purchase & install a Carbon Monoxide Detector.
• Check all your duct work which is vented to the outside (chimneys, water heaters, etc.) on an annual basis for any signs of blockage (bird nests, large twigs, etc..)
• If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney cleaned annually.
• Have your heating system inspected annually, (before the cold weather sets in) to check for proper and safe operation of all parts.
• Stale, stuffy air that never seems to clear.
• Excessive humidity that condensates on windows.

If you or someone you has been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning there may be legal ramifications. Please contact The Gooch Firm, P.C. and speak to a legal representative right away.