Part Three – What You Should Know Before the Alarms Sounds
Understand the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Concentration | Approximate Inhalation Time |
of CO in Air | |
(ppm = parts | and Symptoms Developed |
per million) |
|
50 ppm | The maximum allowable concentration for con- |
| tinuous exposure for healthy adults in any |
| |
200 ppm | Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea |
| after |
400 ppm | Frontal headaches within |
| ening after 3 hours. |
800 ppm | Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 |
| minutes. Unconsciousness within 2 hours. Death |
| within |
1 600 ppm | Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 min- |
| utes. Death within 1 hour. |
3 200 ppm | Headache, dizziness and nausea within |
| minutes. Death within |
6 400 ppm | Headache, dizziness and nausea within |
| utes. Death within |
12 800 ppm | Death within |
| * Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
|
|
Reminder: The chart above relates to the exposure of healthy adults. Read the info on the previous page for descriptions of those who are at higher risk.
Part Four – What to do When the Alarm Sounds
Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning. Many cases of reported CO poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disorient- ed that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Also young children and household pets may be the first affected. The following symptoms are related to CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with ALL members of the household:
Mild Exposure: Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often described as
Medium Exposure: Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting.
Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.
Become familiar with these common symptoms from CO poisoning.
If you experience even mild symptoms of CO poisoning, con- sult your doctor immediately!
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