“You cannot run away from weakness; you must some time fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand?”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894, bio link)
Carbon monoxide basics; instructing and protecting our young, ourselves
When breathed in, CO displaces oxygen in blood, bonds with hemoglobin, forming COHb or carboxyhemoglobin; also referenced as carboxyhemoglobinemia. Reduction of oxygen in blood is detrimental to health.
It is known that CO has an affinity to hemoglobin binding sites over 200 times greater than oxygen. Fetal hemoglobin has an even greater affinity for oxygen than the mother’s because of needed oxygen reserves required for rapid growth; carbon monoxide binds even more aggressively then and related anomalies occur. CO does not easily unload from these cells and is why oxygen therapy, ventilatory support and monitoring the heart rate are critical to recovery.
The higher the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air the more rapid the oxygen displacement and an immediately hazardous to life condition can exist. Lower chronic exposures may result in symptoms not recognized as mild CO poisoning. The medical symptoms and health effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can vary significantly based upon the age & sex of the person exposed, their overall or general state of health, their weight, time of exposure and the levels of CO in their blood.
Stay alert and protect yourself from poisoning with low level carbon monoxide alarms, personal CO monitors, combustion analyzers, non-invasive COHb% diagnostics and you. The best defense is when everybody is aware of the hazards of combustion gases. The best offense is when everybody is measuring for carbon monoxide. What is your role in carbon monoxide safety? Bob Dwyer, CSME Carbon Monoxide Safety.
CO News links
UPDATE!!
4 treated for Brigus Junction carbon monoxide poisoning
CBC.ca
Four people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a leaky propane (gas) refrigerator at a cabin near Brigus Junction on Monday. Holyrood RCMP said in a press release that three of the four people inside the cabin had collapsed from the ... NOTE: combustion gases from a gas refrigeration system is something many "campers" are not aware of. This is another good reason to be aware of the air you are in.
Update
Possible Carbon Monoxide Leak At Main Post Office
WBAL Radio
City fire and EMS crews are evaluating dozens of people for possible carbon monoxide exposure at the main post office building on East Fayette Street in the city. So far, one person has beentreated or have been sent to Shock Trauma for possible carbon ...
· 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 Instruments
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!
