Holly S. Anthony
Along with generally lowering air pollution, some specific measures can be taken to lower and monitor carbon monoxide levels. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is dangerous to humans as it is absorbed into our red blood cells two-hundred times more than oxygen. Therefore, carbon monoxide enters our red blood cells more readily, preventing an adequate amount of oxygen in our blood. People may then die of lack of oxygen to their tissues and brain. The term complete anoxia is used when the oxygen stores of the brain are exhausted within a few seconds. Here the body temperature, blood pressure, and pH fall rapidly and unconsciousness occurs as oxygen consumption of the brain is diminished. (Bokonjic, 1963)
Although carbon monoxide travels to the blood via the lungs, only about one half of it is absorbed by the blood, but the amounts which cause severe poisoning are of the order .1-.3%, therefore only a very small quantity is needed for damage. Studies have been conducted to determine human’s revival and recovery time after exposure to high levels carbon monoxide. These studies have shown that in a matter of minutes, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. (Bokonjic, 1963)
It has been estimated that the concentrations of carbon monoxide in parking garages are very high, usually exceeding the federal standard level of 35 ppm / 30 minutes. (Duan, 1988) Some ways to protect ourselves against carbon monoxide poisoning are by the following: Do not use gas-powered small devices or tools indoors. Try to use tools with electricity or compressed air. Check your oven for blue shaped flames, not irregular, lazy and yellow flames. Do not use an unvented gas heater in a bedroom. Check fireplace drafts, gas appliances, and chimney vents for defects yearly. Patch all vent pipes with gum or tape. Have the cooling unit of a gas refrigerator checked if it gives off an odor. Do not used charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors. Check your exhaust system of your car periodically. Do not run your automobile in the garage with the doors shut. (Center for Disease Control & National Center for Environmental Health, 1997)
