Symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning12/31/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Only the synopsis of all findings permits a sound assessment regarding the manner and cause of death.Ĭopyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. The limited possibilities of proving lethal CO2 intoxications post-mortem necessitate a close cooperation of the involved parties during investigation. In another case, a 48-year-old man working in a restaurant committed suicide by closing himself in a walk-in refrigerator and opening the stored carbon dioxide containers intended for the beverage dispensing equipment. In one case, a 53-year-old man tightly sealed a small bathroom and locked himself in it likely with dry ice. If a mild gas smell is present, turn off the gas pilot. This paper presents two uncommon suicides by carbon dioxide intoxication. Symptoms that return when entering the home may indicate a gas leak, carbon monoxide poisoning, or another air contaminant, such as mold. Very few cases of self-inflicted and deliberate carbon dioxide poisonings have been reported. CO poisoning can also mimic flu symptoms. Among these intoxications, gases are rarely used, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). Exposure to carbon monoxide can produce headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, fainting, unconsciousness, and death. The French poison control centres can be reached 24/7.Suicides by self-poisoning are common in all parts of the world. If there are any signs of a life-threatening emergency (loss of consciousness, etc.), dial 15 (in France), 112 or 114 (for the deaf and hard of hearing).įor all other symptoms, call a poison control centre.Immediately aerate the room, shut off any fuel-burning appliances if possible, and evacuate the premises.What should you do if you suspect you or someone else may have been poisoned with carbon monoxide? Before the cold weather begins, have your systems (boiler, chimneys, water heater, pellet & wood stoves, etc.) checked by a qualified professional. ![]() Have your ducts and chimneys cleaned at least once a year.To heat the inside of your home, never use appliances that are not intended for that purpose, such as power generators, braziers, barbecues, barbecue embers or coals, coal-fired stoves, or kitchen stoves. Do not use mobile auxiliary heaters continuously.Essential practices to avoid the risk of poisoning Treatment consists in administering oxygen, in a hyperbaric chamber in the most serious cases. A poisoned individual can rapidly become unconscious and fall into a coma. Carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected when several people in the same household experience these symptoms.Ĭarbon monoxide is a deadly gas. The first signs of poisoning are not specific to carbon monoxide and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. When carbon monoxide is emitted in a room, it cannot be seen or smelled. However, when they are kept in closed spaces, the concentration of carbon monoxide in indoor air can rapidly increase and be dangerous for any people and animals in the vicinity. When placed outdoors, these appliances emit a small amount of carbon monoxide that is dispersed in the air. Other symptoms can include impaired vision, feeling and being sick, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and. More than half were hospitalised, some of whom had to be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Since September 2022, according to the data of the French poison control centres, over 70 people have been poisoned after they tried to heat their home with appliances not intended for that purpose such as barbecues, coal-fired stoves, power generators or braziers. An actively exercising fire fighter in a high CO environment may suffer collapse and sudden death without any warning symptoms. ![]()
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