Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Frequently Asked Questions
CO FAQ’s:
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous toxins in our modern world, yet poorly understood by the public at large and not considered in an overwhelming majority of emergency rooms. This page will address carbon monoxide poisoning frequently asked questions, including many of those we answer often when people call our 800 number. Many of these questions are addressed elsewhere on https://carbonmonoxide.com and we will provide links to more detailed treatments of those topics on our other pages.
Why carry portable carbon monoxide alarms at all times?
FAQ Why carry portable carbon monoxide alarms at all times? Short Answer: Because the majority of places you go doing the day and most hotels, do not have carbon monoxide alarms. Griff Winthrop: Because all of us, from time to time, probably have to stay in a hotel. Hotels, across all of the big hotel […]
What Warning of Carbon Monoxide without an Alarm?
FAQ: What Warning of Carbon Monoxide without an Alarm will a person have to evacuate? Short Answer: Not enough because the typical warning signs are physical symptoms that can easily be confused with illnesses, like the flu. Only when multiple people get sick contemporaneously is the danger likely to be identified. From our firms video […]
What is the Most Common Mistake which Causes Carbon Monoxide?
FAQ: What is the most Common Mistake which causes carbon monoxide poisoning that Management Companies make? Short Answer: Failing to do preventative maintenance of fuel burning appliances on an annual basis. From our series of video’s on YouTube about frequently asked carbon monoxide questions between Attorneys Gordon Johnson and Griffith Winthrop: Gordon Johnson: All right, […]
Do EMT’s Get Poisoned by Carbon Monoxide?
FAQ:Do EMT’s get poisoned by Carbon Monoxide during Rescues? Short Answer: Too often because they don’t always wear personal protector carbon monoxide alarms. From our carbon monoxide video podcast between Brain Injury Law Group attorneys, Gordon Johnson and Griffith Winthrop: Gordon Johnson: How does it happen that EMT’s get poisoned? Griff Winthrop: It is crazy, […]
How is Carbon Monoxide Created is a Furnace Which Should be Burning Clean?
FAQ: How is carbon monoxide created in a furnace which should be burning clean because it is using natural gas or propane? Short Answer: Because something is preventing the flame from getting enough oxygen for the amount of fuel that is being burned. There can be either too much fuel, too little oxygen or a […]
How can you have Permanent Brain Damage from CO after Oxygen levels return to normal?
FAQ: How can you have permanent brain damage from CO even after the carbon monoxide is removed from your blood? Short Answer: Because brain cells can be damaged by both they lack of oxygen of the event and from inflammatory effects of the poison causing the permeation of the blood brain barrier. FAQ: If you […]
How do Lawyers Prove Brain Damage in Someone who Survives Carbon Monoxide?
FAQ: How do lawyers prove brain damage in someone who survives carbon monoxide but is discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health less than a day later? Short Answer: With a combination of objective diagnostic tools like MRI and vestibular testing and neuropsychiatric assessment of the change in the poisoned person’s function […]
Can you have a complete recovery from carbon monoxide poisoning?
FAQ: Can you have a complete recovery from carbon monoxide poisoning? Short Answer: Yes. More than 50% of those who survive carbon monoxide poisoning do have full recoveries. But when a person has been poisoned on multiple occasions the chances are less. From our Video Blog: Gordon Johnson: Can you recover completely from carbon monoxide […]
Can dogs smell carbon monoxide? Can humans?
FAQ: Can humans ever smell carbon monoxide? Can dogs smell carbon monoxide? Short answer: The byproducts of incomplete combustion, which is what creates carbon monoxide can be smelled, even though the CO itself has no odor. Dogs will smell unburned fuel well before humans will. Gordon Johnson: Can you ever smell carbon monoxide. Griff Winthrop: […]
How is it that carbon monoxide migrated from my furnace room into the rest of the house?
FAQ: How is it that carbon monoxide migrated from my furnace room into the rest of the house? Short Answer: Gaps around where the furnace filter fits into the furnace cabinet will allow for a recirculation of exhaust products that are released in the furnace room. From our video post cast on FAQ’s for carbon […]
Why are Generators such dangerous sources of carbon monoxide?
FAQ: Why are Generators such dangerous sources of carbon monoxide during storm season? Short Answer: Because they have extraordinary high levels of carbon monoxide in their exhaust and can only be operated more than 20 feet from any structure. From our video podcast: Gordon Johnson: So let me give you an example. We’re in hurricane […]
What are the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
FAQ: What are the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? Short Answer: Headache, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting and brain fog. All which are not specific enough to warn in absence of a carbon monoxide alarm. Gordon Johnson: All right, let’s ask a few more of the frequently asked questions. What are the early signs of carbon […]
How quickly can carbon monoxide poisoning happen?
FAQ: How quickly can carbon monoxide poisoning happen? Short Answer: Depending on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, it can happen within minutes or take hours or days to have its full poisoning impact. Gordon Johnson: How quickly can carbon monoxide poisoning happen? Griff Winthrop: Within. Within minutes. Gordon Johnson: The answer to […]
How do High Levels of Carbon Monoxide get into a House?
FAQ: How do High Levels of Carbon Monoxide get into a House? Short Answer: In order for there to be a high level carbon monoxide exposure indoors, there must first be a fuel burning appliance or engine, that is creating the CO and there must be a pathway for that toxic gas to get inside. […]
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
FAQ: Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous to Humans? Short Answer: Because CO takes the place of oxygen in the blood, starving the heart and brain cells of oxygen, which can kill you. In survivors, the toxic aspect of CO sets off the body’s immune responses, which will cause an inflammatory response which can perforate the […]
What is the difference between carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust and carbon monoxide levels in the ambient air?
FAQ: What is the difference between carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust and carbon monoxide levels in the ambient air? Short Answer: Levels in the exhaust become dangerous when they are allowed to escape into the indoor air. A properly operating vent system should vent all exhaust to the outdoors. Gordon Johnson: Now let’s ask […]
Why do portable electric generators kill?
FAQ: Why do engines running indoors cause such a high risk of carbon monoxide death. Why do portable electric generators kill? Short Answer: Because the levels of carbon monoxide in small engine exhaust are a thousand times higher than in a modern car and because the exhaust is being discharged or sucked into the indoor […]
How is Carbon Monoxide Created in a House Furnace?
FAQ: How is carbon monoxide created in a house furnace which should be burning clean? Short Answer: Poor maintenance or an interference with the fresh air supply for the fire to burn, are usually the reasons why carbon monoxide escapes from a home furnace. Cracked heat exchangers are the other common cause. Get your furnace […]
Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms Sensitive Enough?
FAQ: Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms Sensitive Enough? Short Answer: UL 2034 Alarms do not warn of all potentially dangerous poisonings as the preventing a 10% COHb level is not demanding enough as permanent brain damage occurs at nearly a 40% rate when carbon monoxide in the blood reaches a 10% level. The UL 2034 alarm […]
Why are Carbon Monoxide Detectors important for where people don’t sleep?
FAQ: Why are carbon monoxide Detectors important for where people don’t sleep? Short Answer: Because you can get poisoned anywhere there is carbon monoxide indoors and you may not realize it until it is too late to call for help. From our recent carbon monoxide video podcast between Brain Injury Law Group attorneys, Griffith Winthrop […]
What is the Difference between Ambient CO Levels and COHb Levels.
FAQ: What is the difference between Ambient CO levels and COHb levels? Short Answer: Ambient air levels refer to the amount of carbon monoxide in the air you are breathing (indoor air), expressed in terms of PPM (parts per million.) COHb levels represent the amount of carbon monoxide which is in the blood, from having […]
What is the difference between Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide?
What is the difference between CO2 and CO? The difference between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide was discussed in our video blog conversation between Brain Injury Law Group lawyers, Gordon Johnson and Griffith Winthrop. Gordon Johnson: So one of the reasons we’re going to do these video podcasts is we know that in today’s world, […]
What to Do if Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?
IF YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM IS GOING OFF – GET OUT Understanding Why a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off. The above advice must always be followed. Evacuate before you call 911 if your alarm is going off. The balance of this page is written to help the reader understand the significance of an alarm that […]
How can you tell if you have carbon monoxide poisoning?
How can you tell if you have carbon monoxide poisoning? You can’t without some external confirmation. Carbon monoxide poisoning is largely indistinguishable from other diseases like the flu, so unless you have been warned that there is carbon monoxide in the air, you may not figure it out until too late. The natural tendency with […]
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Understanding the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning range from initially non-life threatening headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and confusion to loss of consciousness, chest pain, heart attack, seizure and death. In isolation, each symptom can be confused with some other disease process. What could […]
How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen?
Understanding how carbon monoxide poisoning happens Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when the exhaust from an engine or fuel burning appliance is vented, directly or indirectly, into the inside air (ambient air) of a house or other structure. Engines, particularly internal combustion engines, are never meant to be operated indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning never happens without […]
What is Carbon Monoxide?
FAQ: What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is the result of a malfunctioning fuel burning appliance. Carbon monoxide can cause serious injury and death because it takes the place of oxygen in the blood. When the blood is saturated with carbon monoxide, the cells may be choked of oxygen, causing […]
I’ve Been Exposed to Carbon Monoxide – Now What?
What To Do if Exposed to Carbon Monoxide What to do if exposed to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning includes evacuating the place where you were poisoned, seeking immediate medical attention and making sure that evidence of the cause and origin of the poisoning is preserved. By Joy Redditt Carbon Monoxide Poisoning will most likely leave you […]
How Does Carbon Monoxide Cause Brain Damage?
How does Carbon Monoxide Cause Brain Damage? CO kills brain cells through hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and inflammatory mechanisms. Short Answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning causes brain damage by depriving the brain of oxygen and triggering toxic cellular effects. But, how does that happen? CO Binds to Hemoglobin Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood […]
Carbon Monoxide Kills Again
Carbon Monoxide Kills One in Maryland The Winter months inevitably bring the headlines of another example that carbon monoxide kills, and this season is no exception. This week we learned of the unfortunate story of a family in Maryland that have suffered the ultimate tragedy of the loss of a loved one as a result […]
Who has Greatest Risks from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Are Risks from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning More Dangerous for Certain Groups? Who are at greater risks from carbon monoxide poisoning? We discuss vulnerabilities of children, seniors and underprivileged groups. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent and invisible danger that poses a threat to anyone exposed to it. This colorless, odorless gas is produced whenever fuel […]
What to Do if Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off?
GET OUT if your Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off What to do if your Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off? Get out of the toxic place before you call 911. Don’t open windows and doors. GET OUT. Step 1: Evacuate the Premises Immediately Once the alarm sounds, take the following immediate steps: Ensure everyone exits the home […]
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Helping you Understand What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning What is carbon monoxide poisoning explained including causes, origins symptoms and what to do if your alarm goes off. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when carbon monoxide gas accumulates in the bloodstream. CO gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, […]
How does carbon monoxide poisoning in apartment complexes happen?
FAQ: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Apartment Complexes, How Does it Happen? Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Apartment Complexes How did I get Carbon Monoxide in My Apartment Complex? In most cases, carbon monoxide happens in an apartment because of a furnace malfunction. Occasionally a gas stove or oven or a gas hot water heater can be […]
What is the first sign of carbon monoxide poisoning?
What is the first sign of carbon monoxide poisoning? Something that resembles the flu, but when it happens to multiple people at once, then CO is the logical answer. The first sign of carbon monoxide poisoning can vary from something resembling the flu, to headache to dizziness or lightheadedness. Shortness of breath is another sign […]
Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms Sensitive Enough to Warn of all Carbon Monoxide Poisonings?
FAQ: Are carbon monoxide alarms sensitive enough to warn of all carbon monoxide poisonings? Short Answer: No, the UL 20234 standard is a compromise, in an effort to avoid false alarms, standard carbon monoxide alarms resist alarming for far longer than is safe. Griff Winthrop: You asked me a question a minute ago about whether […]