![]() ![]() A fetus is not only susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning but the results can be catastrophic as well. This can cause fetal hypoxia as a result of maternal oxygen not getting to the fetus in sufficient quantities. Pregnant women have to be very careful not to be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Interestingly, brain damage often occurs during the recovery period and can result in cognitive defecits which can affect learning, and movement disorders. Moreover, carbon monoxide poisoning causes mitochondrial dysfunction, capillary leakage and other issues that can lead to edema and necrosis in the brain. In turn, cardiac output and hypotension can result which may lead to brain ischemia. This causes problems with myoglobin’s ability to use oxygen. Similarly, carbon monoxide also bonds to myoglobin. Carbon hemoglobin can revert to hemoglobin but the process takes time. ![]() This restricts oxygen binding with hemoglobin, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Essentially, the process involves carbon combining with hemoglobin (HbCO) in the blood. Although the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle, the resulting condition can be life threatening. This results in tissue damage and can lead to death. Unfortunately carbon monoxide is easily absorbed into the lungs. If carbon monoxide is prevalent the body replaces the oxygen in the blood with carbon monoxide which restricts oxygen from getting into the body in quantities needed. The process of carbon monoxide poisoning begins because the red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide faster that oxygen. It stands to reason then that these two organs are often the ones most affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. The organs that are most dependent upon oxygen to function are the brain and the heart. Indeed, if one is unaware of the existence of carbon monoxide in a room and he or she falls asleep, death can result while sleeping. Therefore, diagnosing the symptoms can be problematic. The Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Environments Divisions suggests that the symptoms, for example, are very much like symptoms of the flu or food poisoning so one might mistake CO poisoning for other diseases. ![]() Unfortunately, the symptoms are deceiving because they are very much like symptoms of other diseases. The higher the levels of carbon monoxide the more serious the symptoms can become including loss of consciousness, brain damage and death. The Center for Disease Control indicates that if a person is exposed to carbon monoxide, they can have symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional death from poison in the United States. By merely breathing the gas, people can become seriously ill, have brain damage and/or die. Carbon monoxide becomes especially dangerous when it is allowed to build up in small, enclosed places. Exposure to the organic solvent dichlormethane found in some paint strippers has likewise been found to be a cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Riding in the back of pickups has also cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Generally carbon monoxide is found where there are combustible fumes such as in faulty furnaces and heating systems, vehicles (including cars, boats, trucks, tractor trailers) small gasoline engines, generators, gas stoves, gas lanterns, burning charcoal and/or wood, house fires, and gasoline powered tools. ![]() According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non irritating gas that can cause sudden illness or death. It is a product of incomplete combustion of organic matter with insufficient oxygen supply to enable complete oxidation of carbon dioxide (CO 2). Carbon monoxide (CO) is toxic gas and is known as the silent killer. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |