Carbon monoxide (CO) is a clear and odourless toxic gas. It does not irritate the eyes or respiratory tract.
When a person inhales carbon monoxide, the gas enters their blood and interferes with oxygen intake. This damages tissue and can be extremely dangerous to health.
The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning vary according to the following:
Quantity of carbon monoxide in the air
Length of a person’s exposure to gas
Person’s sensitivity to the effects of carbon monoxide
Person’s state of health
Symptoms
It is important to understand that carbon monoxide poisoning can only occur if a person is in the presence of a source of the gas.
In fact, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to recognize because they resemble symptoms of other health problems.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary according to the intensity of the exposure.
The main symptoms of a light poisoning are:
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Symptoms of a more serious poisoning are:
Dizziness
Fatigue
Chest pain
Problems with vision
Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms of an severe poisoning are:
Problems coordinating movement or muscle paralysis, which prevent the person from leaving the premises
Loss of consciousness
What to do when you have symptoms or a carbon monoxide alarm goes off
A carbon monoxide alarm is a device that can detect the gas.
If you have symptoms of poisoning, the carbon monoxide alarm goes off or not :
Think of your safety before anything.
Leave the premises and go outside
Dial 9-1-1 or call the Centre antipoison du Québec (poison control centre) at 1 800 463-5060
Leave the door open when exiting the premises in order to completely ventilate the place
Wait for the authorisation of a firefighter before returning inside even for a few minutes
If you do not have symptoms of poisoning, but your carbon monoxide alarm goes off :
Head outside
Dial 9-1-1
Wait for the authorisation of a firefighter before returning inside even for a few minutes.
Do not use your fuel-burning appliances again before having them checked by a qualified person
Treatment
It is necessary to consult a physician to treat carbon monoxide poisoning.
Administration of high levels of oxygen is the standard treatment. If the person’s condition is more serious, the physician may prescribe hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For this treatment, the person is placed in a closed chamber in which they receive pressurised oxygen.
Complications
Severe poisoning can cause permanent effects.
The following effects can appear during a period of 2 to 40 days after poisoning, even if treated:
Chronic migraines
Neurological disorders that can cause problems with coordination of movement