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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: What You Need To Know

Carbon monoxide is extremely poisonous and can lead to severe injury and even death. Since it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, you may not even realize you are being exposed until it is too late. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also very difficult to diagnose, so doctors may not be able to identify the cause of your symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, there’s a lot you need to know.

Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the reasons carbon monoxide poisoning is so hard to diagnose, is that most of the symptoms are pretty mild and can easily be confused with other health issues. Here are the common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
  • Headache
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Memory loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
If these symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious illness, such as:
  • Seizure disorder
  • Permanent brain damage
  • Memory loss
  • Psychiatric issues
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart conditions
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Kidney failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Coma
  • Death

Causes Of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

There are several things that can expose you to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion engines and burning material. Common causes of carbon monoxide include cigarette smoke, broken furnaces, hot water heaters, and space heaters, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, generators, gasoline powered tools, and vehicles. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen after a disaster like a fire or hurricane. Carbon monoxide exposure can happen anywhere, especially in confined spaces.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

There are many ways you can reduce your exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. First, you can purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home to ensure that none of your household appliances or fireplaces are exposing you to carbon monoxide poisoning. Secondly, you can make sure to operate all gas powered tools in well-ventilated spaces. Next, make sure that your vehicles are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and make sure to repair any damage to the exhaust system. Finally, make sure that if you work with any tools or machinery that produces carbon monoxide at work, that your workplace follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration tips and regulations found on their website here: https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf. If you take these measures at home, in your vehicle, and around your workplace, you can reduce and prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

What To Do If You’ve Experience Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

If you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to see a doctor immediately to get treated. Then you need to find the source of your carbon monoxide poisoning. If your poisoning was the result of a faulty product, workplace issues, or even hazardous exposure after a disaster, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. So once you’ve sought treatment for your injuries, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney, like our friendly professionals at All Injuries Law Firm, can help you review the circumstances of your carbon monoxide poisoning and determine if another person or entity is responsible for your exposure. If another party is at fault, our attorneys can help you file a claim, negotiate a fair settlement for your losses, and even litigate your case in court. We can also help you if your insurance company is refusing to pay for your medical treatments. So if you’ve experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, contact us today for free consultation to learn how we can help you!