Winter is a high-incidence season for carbon monoxide poisoning. Statistics show that the number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning in Chinese households ranks third annually, second only to traffic accidents and workplace accidents. Recently, cold waves have swept many cities, with daily snowfall even exceeding 20 centimeters, which is quite extreme. In addition to preventing the impact of snow accumulation and road icing on traffic and travel, we must also be vigilant against carbon monoxide poisoning incidents that may occur during heating in cold weather.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, which often goes unnoticed and leads to poisoning. In poorly ventilated environments, people are prone to inhaling large amounts of carbon monoxide, resulting in hypoxia and poisoning. In severe cases, it can even cause death.
In households, carbon monoxide poisoning mostly occurs during activities such as cooking with coal stoves, heating or having tea around braziers, and enjoying charcoal hot pot. When doors and windows are tightly closed and flue gas cannot be discharged smoothly, carbon monoxide poisoning is likely to happen.
In cases of mild poisoning, patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and general fatigue. These symptoms are usually caused by hypoxia resulting from the binding of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin in the body.
In cases of moderate poisoning, patients may present symptoms like excessive sweating, irritability, unsteady gait, pale skin, confusion, and drowsiness with fatigue. These symptoms indicate that the patient is in a state of moderate hypoxia and requires immediate treatment measures.
In cases of severe poisoning, patients may suffer from symptoms including unconsciousness, locked jaw, generalized convulsions, incontinence of urine and feces, cherry-red discoloration of the face and lips, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure, and arrhythmia. These symptoms mean the patient is in a state of severe hypoxia and urgent first-aid measures must be taken to prevent life-threatening situations.
Critically severe patients may experience persistent deep coma, weak and thready pulse, irregular breathing, decreased blood pressure, or high fever up to 40℃. These symptoms indicate that the patient is in an extremely critical condition and requires immediate first-aid intervention as well as professional medical treatment.
Ensure Effective VentilationWhen using heating equipment such as coal stoves and braziers indoors, do not completely close doors and windows. Leave a certain gap to allow indoor air circulation, and always open windows for ventilation to keep the air fresh.
Choose Certified Heating AppliancesMake sure to check whether the stove fire is properly sealed, the stove lid is tightly closed, the air damper is open, and the flue gas is discharged smoothly before going to bed every night.
Conduct Regular InspectionsInstall and use heating equipment like coal stoves and braziers correctly. Water heaters should be installed outdoors in well-ventilated areas as much as possible. When taking a bath, do not tightly close the bathroom doors and windows, and avoid taking overly long baths.
Keep Away from Hazardous SubstancesHeating equipment such as coal and stoves should be placed away from flammable, explosive, and volatile toxic substances.
Install Carbon Monoxide DetectorsCarbon monoxide detectors can effectively monitor the concentration of carbon monoxide gas. When the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air reaches the preset threshold, the detector will quickly emit an alarm signal to alert people to eliminate potential hazards and effectively prevent accidents.
In recent years, many regions have opted to install carbon monoxide detectors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Through publicity campaigns on carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, hidden danger inspections, and the installation of detectors, public awareness of fire safety and the ability to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning have been further enhanced, ensuring timely detection of risks and maximizing the protection of people's lives. Electrochemical carbon monoxide sensors are one of the most commonly used types of sensors in carbon monoxide detectors.
Electrochemical carbon monoxide gas sensors are characterized by a direct proportional relationship between the output current and carbon monoxide concentration, with the output signal showing a good linear correlation with gas concentration, making signal processing and display extremely convenient. Moreover, electrochemical sensors have high sensitivity, enabling them to quickly detect changes in carbon monoxide concentration and play an effective role in alarm and prevention.
The
GS+4CO sensor is highly suitable for household CO detectors, and is also widely used in lithium battery fire detection, generator fire detection, underground parking lot CO monitoring, and other applications.
Cut off the source of carbon monoxide immediately. Open windows to allow air convection at once, quickly shut off the valves of gas stoves and water heaters, turn off piped gas, and extinguish charcoal fires. Avoid using items that are prone to producing sparks, such as lighters.
If you find someone suffering from poisoning, cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel, bend down to enter the room, turn off the gas supply, avoid open flames, and do not turn on or off electrical appliances. Promptly move the patient away from the poisoning site to a place with fresh air and good ventilation. Untie the patient's collar to keep the respiratory tract unobstructed, and keep the patient warm to prevent complications.
While waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive, the patient should rest quietly to avoid increasing the burden on the heart and lungs and oxygen consumption, and also keep warm. For critically ill patients who have stopped breathing and heartbeat, immediately perform artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (chest compressions).
While providing on-site first aid, dial the emergency number 120 immediately and send the patient to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
