Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death. This odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it; but carbon monoxide can kill you.
Headaches, nausea and fatigue are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning that are most commonly mistaken as flu symptoms. When household appliances are not properly ventilated, the carbon monoxide that is produced by these appliances can build up and cause severe effects. Sources of carbon monoxide are as follows: Gas water heaters, Propane heaters and stoves, Indoor tractor pulls, Charcoal grills, Kerosene space heaters, Any boat with an engine, Spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and paint removers, Cigarette smoke, Gasoline powered concrete saws, Propane-fueled forklifts and Gasoline and diesel powered generators.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood restoring the oxygen level back to normal as quickly as possible. Each session inside the chamber lasts for about 90 minutes. A person can recover within a few days, however it is important to keep in mind the long-term affects that may occur days or weeks after carbon monoxide poisoning.
