Aico Ei261ENRC, Ei261DENRC manual Table A Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

B16132-R0-261ENRC-UC-ENG 7/11/07 11:52 AM Page 7

A low level for a long period (e.g. 150 ppm for 90 minutes) can cause the same symptoms (a slight headache) as a high level of CO for a short period (e.g. 350 ppm CO for 30 minutes). Table A shows how exposure to different concentrations of CO generally affects people.

Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disorientated they are unable to save themselves by either leaving the building or calling for assistance. Young children and household pets may be the first affected.

	Table A: Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Concentration
of CO in Air
		Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed
ppm
35	The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure in any 8 hour period according to OSHA *.

150Slight headache after 1.5 hours.

200Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.

400Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours, also maximum parts per million in flue gas (on an air free basis) according to US Environmental Protection Agency.

800Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.

1,600	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.
3,200	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.
6,400	Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.
12,800	Death within 1-3 minutes.

ppm = parts per million

*OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Association

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