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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide Posoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs more frequently during the winter heating season, but can occur at any time of the year. Mildly CO poisoned individuals exhibit non-specific symptoms including headache, nausea and malaise, while more severe CO poisoning can lead to coma. This summary highlights the importance of a high degree of suspicion necessary in diagnosing CO poisoned individuals. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy speeds removal of CO from blood and tissues and may prevent long-term neurologic damage.

Common sources of CO

  • Auto or any engine exhaust
  • House fires or fires in enclosed spaces
  • Faulty furnaces/heating systems
  • Indoor BBQ with poor ventilation
  • Propane-powered fork lifts
  • Indoor ice-skating rinks (exhaust from ice cleaning machinery)
  • Methylene chloride-based paint strippers (metabolized to CO)
  • Smelters

Department of
Respiratory Care
UI Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Phone: 319-356-3474
Fax: 319-356-8365

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University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242

Last modification date: Thu Oct 19 14:40:49 2006
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/respiratorycare/cosources.html