Carbon Monoxide: Beware of This "Silent Killer"
Danger can creep up on people unnoticed, and that threat is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, hence it is known as the "silent killer". Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning surge in cold autumn and winter, so extra precautions must be taken in daily life.
Case 1
Poisoning from prolonged confinement inside a vehicleMr. Huang, a long-distance truck driver, often felt drowsy, nauseous and dizzy after driving for extended periods. One day, he chatted with an experienced fellow driver during a meal break on a delivery trip and learned that all these symptoms stemmed from carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. When the weather turned cold, he liked to turn on the air conditioner with windows closed. As time passed, carbon monoxide accumulated inside the car, triggering dizziness and nausea.
It is reported that vehicle air conditioning systems produce toxic exhaust fumes during operation, among which carbon monoxide is the most common. Staying in an airtight vehicle with the air conditioner running for too long may lead to mild carbon monoxide poisoning for occupants. Some long-haul drivers smoke to stay alert; smoking inside a sealed vehicle also releases carbon monoxide and aggravates poisoning symptoms. Studies show that when the carbon monoxide concentration inside a vehicle ranges from 6 mg to 60 mg per cubic meter, prolonged exposure reduces drivers’ color sensitivity, spatial perception, night vision and hearing. This results in poorer concentration and weakened thinking ability, seriously endangering driving safety.
Case 2
Risks of bathing in enclosed roomsWu Xin and Liu Hua (both pseudonyms), two college students, rented an apartment off campus. One day when Wu Xin returned home, he found Liu Hua collapsed on the floor next to the bathroom. He rushed Liu Hua to hospital for emergency treatment, and doctors later confirmed Liu Hua suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.
Extra vigilance against carbon monoxide poisoning is required when bathing with a gas water heater inside an airtight room in winter. Carbon monoxide is released when carbon or carbon-containing substances undergo incomplete combustion. Once inhaled by the human body, it causes poisoning, oxygen deprivation and suffocation, and can be fatal in severe cases. Generally speaking, hypoxia lasting 5 to 6 minutes will cause irreversible damage to the cerebral cortical nerve cells. Before using a gas water heater, check for gas pipeline leaks and confirm compliance with installation safety standards. Keep proper indoor ventilation, and avoid overly long showers. If gas leakage occurs, immediately shut off the gas valve and open doors and windows for ventilation.
What to do once poisoning occurs?
Experts offer the following advice: First, open doors and windows immediately to ventilate the space. Quickly move the patient to an open area with fresh air, loosen tight clothing to ensure unobstructed breathing, and keep the patient warm. For unconscious patients, prevent inhalation of vomit into the lungs and transfer them to hospital for further treatment without delay. Place unconscious casualties in the recovery position. If the patient’s heartbeat stops, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation at once while arranging emergency transport to hospital.
