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Show Don't Become Dnrcisy'To Carton onoKide Increased energy awareness could lead to more accidental carbon monoxide poisonings, according to the Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center. "THE PUBLIC is energy conscious now and the sale of wood- ,burning stoves, fireplace inserts and other energy-saving devices has jumped," says Don Bennett, poison information pharmacist phar-macist at the University of Utah Medical Center. "If these devices aren't installed and operated properly, carbon car-bon monoxide (CO) gas can easily pose a hazard." CO gas is tasteless, odorless and colorless, and probably causes more poisoning deaths than any other agent, Mr. Bennett notes. The gas is produced whenever a substance subs-tance containing carbon (wood, coal, natural gas, etc.) is burned without complete combustion. "A PERSON exposed to small concentrations of carbon car-bon monoxide initially will develop a headache, dizziness, diz-ziness, and a feeling of drowsiness. drow-siness. The victim eventually con become unconscious, experience breathing difficulties difficul-ties and cardiac complications complica-tions leading to death," says Mr. Bennett. THE TOXIC effect of CO is due to a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen, according to the poison information infor-mation specialist. Hemoglobin, the substance which carries oxygen in the blood, combines with carbon monoxide to form carbo-xyhemoglobin, carbo-xyhemoglobin, which is incapable in-capable of carrying oxygen through the body. "Removing the victim to fresh air is the best immediate therapy if there has been a poisoning," Mr. Bennett advises. "Administering "Adminis-tering oxygen also helps eliminate carboxyhemoglobin from the blood. Without prompt action, CO can kill within 15 to 30 minutes." THE Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center has these suggestions for the winter season: - Check all venting systems sys-tems to furnaces, stoves, fireplaces and heaters to ensure en-sure proper functioning. - IF YOU smell exhaust fumes or' suspect a leak in your vehicle, check the exhaust system. - Don't use charcoal for heating or cooking in any enclosed area (home, camper, tent, etc.). Charcoal briquettes Droduce large amounts of tne gas. IF THERE IS a serious carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention or call the Poison Control Center at 581-2151 or (outside the Salt Lake area) 800-662-4225. |
