Co Detectors

AstoriaDave · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 7:03 pm Post subject:

Thanks, dave, for correcting my misstatement. Cyanide indeed does bind irreversibly, while CO and O2 bind competitively. CO has some other physiological effects which enhance its adverse action, detailed in this Wikipedia summary, for those interested: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning

No matter how you slice it, CO is a nasty poison.

hardee · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 7:14 pm Post subject:

There are 2 primary treatments for CO poisoning. the first and most accessible is inhaled 100% Oxygen - Oxygen provided through a "high concentration" mask -- one with a soft, flexible bag attached. The second and faster, though not as ever present is a hyperbaric chamber with pressures of 2-3 atmospheric levels.

Carbon monoxide is excreted through the lungs. The half-life in a normal atmosphere is 3 to 4 hours. 100% oxygen reduces this to 30-90 minutes, depending on elevation, and 100% oxygen at hyperbaric pressure of 2.5 atmospheres reduces it to 15-23 minutes. The value of hyperbaric oxygen is, however, unclear but the higher the CO level measured in the patient, the more likely consideration for hyperbaric treatment will be given, assuming there is ready access.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:30 pm Post subject:

Back in the 1970's before there was the crack down on car exhaust omissions, there were studies which showed CO levels approached 25-100 ppm. in drivers of cars on the freeway. I had a number of patients who had vague headaches, myalgia, etc. In taking the history there was a group who either lived right near a freeway or were driving a long time in their cars on the freeways, and had elevated CO levels.

Today the emissions standards have dramatically reduced the CO levels in the exhaust (and less smog).

Although "Diesel is safe"--not necessarily true. There are a number of instances where pure diesel exhaust was piped into an area--including an boat's engine room, and there were very high CO levels.

There are finger nail pulse spread spectrum devices which will non invasively monitor hemoglobin bound CO. This is what the paramedics and Forrest service use for on the spot analysis. It is not as accurate as a blood sample. But in making a decision about treatment the time can be critical.
These are relatively in-expensive in the $800 range, with special transducers for the "Rainbow" spectrum.

G.W. · Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:41 pm Post subject: CO detector

I found out the hard way to have a CO detector whether you have a heater or not. My 2007 22' had a hard wired detector from the factory. I thought about disconnecting it since I didn't have a heater. First trip out I was cruising slowly with the cabin closed. There was a slight stern wind. I definitely felt tired and drowsy when the alarm went off. To begin with, I thought it was the engine so switched everything off; but still screaming. As soon as I realized the problem and opened the cabin, it shut off. Needless to say, the detector stayed and I always kept a breeze blowing in. It would have been a Bummer to die on your first trip!
G.P.