MVH Offers Reminders on Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Andrew C. Allison, D.O.

Awareness of Help for Domestic Violence Vital
Andrew C. Allison, D.O.

Offers Reminders on Carbon Monoxide Dangers

By ANDREW C. ALLISON, D.O.
Director of Emergency
Medical Services

A good old-fashioned "ounce of prevention" is still the best weapon against carbon monoxide poisoning.

That timely reminder from Monongahela Valley Hospital is offered to heighten awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide during the winter.

Carbon monoxide can be deadly anytime of the year. But it is especially a potential killer in the winter when people are running their furnaces more because of the cold weather. We've been fortunate with unseasonably warm weather thus far, but it's a certainty that the cold will come.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poison related deaths in the United States, killing more than 5,500 people each year. According to the Pittsburgh Poison Center, there were 307 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the region in 1999 and 398 calls in 2000.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are "vague, gradually occuring," which is why it can happen so frequently.

People experience headaches, dizziness, weakness and nausea and often feel as if they are coming down with the flu or a stomach virus. If the exposure (to carbon monoxide) is more severe, you can experience chest pain, passing out, breathing problems, and, in the worst case, death.

Carbon monoxide causes problems by binding very tightly to blood cells and heart muscle cells to prevent their normal functions. It also can damage brain cells by causing a chemical to be formed that is toxic to the brain.

Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of organic materials such as gas or kerosene in furnaces, hot water heaters, stoves, sternos and similar equipment.

Many people may be surprised to learn that tobacco smoke can cause very high levels of carbon monoxie, and cases of toxicity have been reported from smoke-filled bingo halls. As the weather gets colder and we are using our heating systems more, people should be more aware of the symptoms for carbon monoxide poisoning. If you feel the symptoms are due to carbon monoxide poisoning, leave your residence and contact the Poison Center at 412-681-6699. They will direct you on the appropriate action to take. If you have any severe symptoms, you should call your family doctor or go to the hospital emergency room immediately.

Remember, too, that carbon monoxide detectors in the home are a good solution in becoming aware of potential problems. They are relatively inexpensive and can save your life.

Dr. Andrew C. Allison is Director of Emergency Services
at Monongahela Valley Hospital.