What does a person suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning experience?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you.

How does carbon monoxide affect the oxygen supply in your body?

Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen. But even if you recover, acute poisoning may result in permanent damage to the parts of your body that require a lot of oxygen such as the heart and brain.

How can you accidentally get carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

What are the long term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause memory problems and difficulty concentrating. It can also cause vision loss and hearing loss. In rare cases, severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause Parkinsonism, which is characterised by tremors, stiffness and slow movement.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning Boatsmart?

CO build-up can occur between the pontoons of a houseboat or a pontoon boat. CO is inhaled into your lungs and cuts off the oxygen supply to your body, which can kill in minutes. Be alert to flu-like symptoms, which can include headaches, nausea and fatigue.

Why does carbon monoxide increased oxygen affinity?

The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is 240 times that of oxygen. Once one molecule of carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it shifts the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve to the left, further increasing its affinity and severely impairing release of oxygen to the tissues.

What is the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances, such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers, are the most common causes of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

How much carbon monoxide is lethal?

As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

What would help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning onboard a vessel?

To protect yourself and others against CO poisoning while boating:

• Allow fresh air to circulate throughout the pleasure craft at all times, even during bad weather.
• Make sure all fuel-burning engines and appliances are certified or designed for marine use.
• Install and maintain CO detectors inside your pleasure craft.

What action should be taken if a person is suspected of having carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat?

Treatment

1. Move the person immediately to fresh air in an open area. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the boat;
2. Go to the hospital.
3. Call 911 or another local emergency number for immediate medical attention;
4. Do not reboard the boat until you receive an expert opinion (ex: firefighters).