“Excess generally causes reaction, and produces a change in the opposite direction, whether it be in the seasons, or in individuals, or in governments.” Plato (427 BC - 347 BC, bio link)
Nausea and CO poisoning
Combustion can only occur in the presence of a fuel, oxygen and sufficient heat. This is true of fire and the human combustion process of life.
The air we breathe contains predominantly oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N). Approximately 20.9% of air is oxygen and 79% is nitrogen. This air with the food and drink consumed is broken down to the fuel molecules needed to spark the mechanisms of human life; a combustion system that breathes air, eats and drinks fuels as it generates heat & energy and exhausts waste gases.
Carbon monoxide when inhaled, displaces oxygen and sets a course for various resultant consequences of asphyxia. When oxygen is displaced and there is food to convert to fuel, it is necessary that oxygen is available to the process. Since sufficient oxygen is not available due to the displacement, the “fuel rich” condition triggers the response of nausea and then can result in dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea and other conditions of what we call "flu-like symptoms". The body throws out the unprocessed food and drink.
Even though you may have a CO alarm in your home or building, it may not be enough to avoid the experiences associated with these symptoms if the alarms do not go off until they measure 50 or 70 PPM of CO for the time periods they must wait to alarm. The symptoms of nausea can come from exposures to carbon monoxide before these levels are reached.
Perhaps people who have these listed and approved alarms do not think of CO as the culprit of their conditions because they are not making a sound to remind them or alert them of the presence of the poison. The avoidance of these symptoms might be another reason to encourage the use of low level CO alarms. Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide safety
· Heart Rescue Now This link takes you to a very short video that is a practical demonstration on the proper usage of an AED. This video is tastefully done & demonstrates the step-by-step way one might be able to save a life.
· Please take CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CARE during all holiday and everyday activities.
· Carbon Monoxide Survivor A website made by poisoning survivors that brings a view that can only come from those that know what it is like to have been poisoned - as well as live with the long term impact.
· Consider low level protection for carbon monoxide and smoldering fire detection problems; don't leave anyone behind.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Carbon Monoxide Detectors State Statutes
Twenty-five U.S. states have statutes that require carbon monoxide detectors in certain residential buildings. Updated Nov. 2011
Alaska | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts| Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New Jersey | New Hampshire | New York | North Carolina | Oregon | Rhode Island | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia
Google Maps to reference the locations referenced in these Internet headlines.
The following companies are acknowledged for their continued support of carbon monoxide safety education and this daily news blog. They may just have what you are looking for.
Fieldpiece
The Energy Conservatory
IntelliTec Colleges
CO Experts
Masimo (See the non-invasive RAD-57)
Mahugh Fire & Safety
ESCO Institute
TPI - Test Products International
Every Day is Carbon Monoxide Safety Day!
