Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Suppose you had a long, stressful day. The only thing you can think about is relaxing in the comfort of your own home, never once considering the dangers that may be lingering around you. When we are in our own homes, we feel protected and less susceptible of being injured or hurt. We lock our doors at night, because it gives us a sense of security. We become so consumed with protecting ourselves from society, that we fail to acknowledge the dangers that we are faced with every day. Just because we can’t see, smell, or hear something, doesn’t necessarily mean we are out of harms way. The effects of carbon monoxide are often fatal and each of us is at risk of becoming affected with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Often referenced as the “silent killer,” (“What is Carbon Monoxide”), carbon monoxide cannot be detected by any of our senses. It is a highly poisonous, combustible gas, which has no color or odor. As a result, it is near impossible to detect and before you realize you are a victim, it may already be too late (“Indoor Air Quality”).

Many times, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are wrongly diagnosed by medical professionals. Some of the less severe symptoms are flu-like and can often cause drowsiness, head pain, bewilderment, loss of strength, and issues with sight. Depending on a person’s health, age, and how long they may have been exposed prior to seeking medical attention, carbon monoxide affects people in different ways. Newborns, toddlers, elderly, and people already suffering from coronary disease or lung disease are more at risk for developing carbon monoxide poisoning. If a person has a bad heart prior to being exposed to carbon monoxide, it is more likely that they will be at
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