Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Catches Its Victims Unaware

By KURT LOFT The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jul 11, 2007

TAMPA - They call it the silent killer because it suffocates its victims with little, if any, warning.

Carbon monoxide is an insidious poison, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that displaces oxygen in the body and starves the heart and brain. In concentrated amounts, the gas overcomes its victims before they notice its effects. They can quickly lose consciousness and die.

Toxic releases of carbon monoxide occur with the incomplete burning of a carbon-based gas in a closed space, such as using a kerosene heater or backup generator in a room or garage. Without fresh air to dilute the buildup, the poison moves rapidly into the body, said Cynthia Lewis-Younger, managing medical director of the Florida Poison Information Center-Tampa at Tampa General Hospital.

"The real problem is it binds to our hemoglobin, which is what carries our oxygen," she said. "It just loves to sop up all that oxygen [but not release it], and that prevents you from taking oxygen to the cells where it's needed."

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by poisoning in the United States, killing more than 2,000 people each year, according to the American Medical Association. Because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic the flu, people may not realize they are in a life-threatening situation until it's too late, Lewis-Younger said.

"Unfortunately, the early symptoms are subtle: a headache and nausea," she said. "So most people don't recognize it as carbon monoxide poisoning."

Fire safety officials say any home or office with a fireplace or appliances or equipment that burn a gas should have carbon monoxide monitors installed. Because carbon monoxide is lighter than air, detectors should be placed near the ceiling, which also keeps them away from children.

Each floor needs a separate device, and one should be placed near bedrooms. If a carbon monoxide detector goes off, officials say, everyone inside should immediately seek fresh air outside.

Reporter Kurt Loft can be reached at kloft@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7570.