Every year in winter, there is a high incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the cause of poisoning is closely related to climate factors. In winter, many people in the northern regions use fire stoves for heating, while men use air conditioners and heaters, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. So how can we prevent it?
[Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning]
During the transition from winter to spring, the weather is still cold, and people in rural areas often use charcoal fires for heating. If ventilation is not taken into account, carbon monoxide poisoning is likely to occur. Another cause is the use of water heaters in urban areas, especially in older buildings, where the high humidity in the bathroom makes it difficult for carbon monoxide to dissipate, leading to its accumulation and eventual poisoning.
We should also be vigilant about carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicle exhaust fumes, which is often overlooked. Long-distance bus drivers are most susceptible to chronic poisoning while driving. "Many drivers who have been in the car for a long time may feel dizzy, headaches, and palpitations, but when they go to the hospital for examination, no abnormalities are found. At this time, we need to consider whether it is chronic carbon monoxide poisoning." In addition, there is another situation called acute poisoning when the vehicle is stopped, which occurs when the engine is not turned off immediately after the vehicle comes to a stop, causing the generation of carbon monoxide gas and acute poisoning of the people inside the car.
[Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning]
1. Mild poisoning.
The duration of poisoning is short, and the carbon monoxide in the blood is 10%-20%. The early symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, weakness in the limbs, and even brief fainting. Generally, the consciousness is still clear and the symptoms disappear rapidly after inhaling fresh air and leaving the poisoned environment, with no lasting consequences.
2. Severe poisoning.
The duration of poisoning is slightly longer, and the carbon monoxide in the blood accounts for 30% to 40%. In addition to the mild symptoms, collapse or coma may occur. The skin and mucous membranes show the characteristic cherry-red color of gas poisoning. If timely rescue is provided, rapid recovery and complete recovery can be achieved within a few days, with no lasting symptoms.
3. Critical poisoning.
If the discovery is made too late, excessive inhalation of gas occurs, or high concentrations of carbon monoxide are inhaled in a short period of time, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the blood can often exceed 50%. The patient will fall into a deep coma, with the disappearance of various reflexes, incontinence of urine and feces, cold extremities, decreased blood pressure, and rapid breathing, leading to rapid death. Generally, the longer the duration of coma, the more severe the prognosis, often resulting in lasting consequences such as dementia, decreased memory and comprehension, and paralysis of the limbs.
[Prevention Methods for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning]
1. Choose a qualified stove and chimney. Install a qualified stove, and if there are any damages, rusting, or gas leaks, replace them in a timely manner. The connection interface of the chimney leading to the outside should be tight. If there are cracks or damages, repair them in time to prevent gas leaks. At the same time, pay attention to the wind direction to prevent smoke from pouring back into the room. When necessary, install windshields and elbows, and regularly clean the chimney to keep it clear.
2. Pay attention to ventilation: When using a fire stove or a heated kang bed in the house, do not close the doors and windows tightly, and pay attention to ventilation and air exchange. Stick a "wind vent" on the window or leave a vent hole.
3. Check the exhaust system of air-conditioned vehicles for any leaks, and if there are any leaks into the cabin, they should be promptly eliminated. When an air-conditioned vehicle is stopped, do not leave the air conditioner on for too long; even when driving, frequently open the windows to allow air circulation between the inside and outside of the car.
4. Before using gas appliances, smell the gas to determine if there is a gas leak.
5. Properly install gas appliances. Citizens using gas water heaters should have them installed by professional technicians to ensure that the exhaust pipes discharge waste gas smoothly.
6. Pay attention to the correct use and maintenance of water heaters or gas appliances, and always check if they are in a state of complete combustion. If a red flame is produced, there is a higher chance of incomplete combustion, while a blue flame indicates mostly complete combustion.
