How much do you know about carbon monoxide poisoning?

In recent years, cases of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by barbecues and charcoal heating at home have occurred from time to time, not only in winter, but also in summer. We all know that in winter, people like to close doors and windows, turn on the heater, cook tea around the stove, or even burn charcoal for heating. They often do not pay attention to ventilation, which can easily lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. But how can carbon monoxide poisoning also occur in the hot summer?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, non-irritating toxic gas that is the result of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Its absorption amount depends on the length of ventilation time, the length of exposure time and the relative concentrations of carbon monoxide and oxygen in the environment.

Studies have shown that the affinity of hemoglobin in the human body for carbon monoxide is 200-250 times that of oxygen. When carbon monoxide competes with oxygen for binding to hemoglobin, it will promote the release of oxygen at the tissue level and cellular hypoxia, thus leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, hypoxia, dizziness, headache, general weakness, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and other poisoning symptoms. If you do not leave this environment in time, the symptoms will worsen, and you will experience coma, brain hypoxia, etc. In severe cases, you may face disability or even death.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is commonly known as "gas poisoning". Common sources of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning include gas heating system failures, poorly ventilated cars, generators, grills, stoves and residential fires. Some research reports say that up to 80% of carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in residential areas. According to data, people can be poisoned if they inhale carbon monoxide at a concentration of 220mg/m³ in one hour; they can be fatal if they inhale a concentration of 1800mg/m³ in one hour; and when the concentration reaches 14080mg/m³, they can "flash die" in one minute.

When symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning appear (such as dizziness, headache, nausea, etc.), firstly, leave the poisoned environment immediately, open doors and windows for ventilation, and go to an area with good air circulation. Secondly, keep the airway open and clear oral secretions promptly to avoid suffocation caused by accidental aspiration. Thirdly, call emergency services or go to the hospital promptly. While waiting for rescue, stay calm, avoid strenuous exercise, and reduce oxygen consumption in the body. In addition, if conditions permit, the source of carbon monoxide emissions should be closed in a timely manner to avoid more carbon monoxide emissions and cause more serious consequences.

In the hot summer, we should also raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and pay attention to the following four points: firstly, when using air conditioning, whether in a house or in a car, be sure to open windows for ventilation regularly, especially when the car is stationary, do not leave the engine running for a long time, or keep the air conditioner on for a long time. This can easily lead to ineffective circulation of exhaust gas in the car, which can easily cause carbon monoxide accumulation; Secondly, ask professionals to regularly check the safety of indoor gas stoves and water heaters, do not use them beyond the expiration date, and do not modify gas pipelines without authorization; Thirdly, indoor barbecue and hot pot should not be too long, ventilation should be maintained, and the charcoal fire should be moved outdoors in time after the barbecue and hot pot to avoid carbon monoxide accumulation; Last, families that can afford it can install carbon monoxide alarms for further prevention.

It is worth mentioning that since the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in summer are easily confused with other common summer diseases and lead to misdiagnosis, we must remain vigilant against carbon monoxide poisoning to avoid delaying treatment.