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
• Malaise

More severe CO poisoning can lead to coma.

Hyperbaric oxygen 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 gas or charcole grills 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