Lethal dose of carbon monoxide for humans. Help for carbon monoxide poisoning

Poisoning by combustion products – the main cause (80% of all cases) of deaths in fires. Over 60% of them are due to poisoning carbon monoxide.

What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?

Let's try to figure it out and remember knowledge from physics and chemistry.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, or carbon monoxide, chemical formula CO) is a gaseous compound formed during combustion of any type. What happens when this substance enters the body? After entering the respiratory tract, carbon monoxide molecules immediately end up in the blood and bind to hemoglobin molecules. A completely new substance is formed - carboxyhemoglobin, which interferes with the transport of oxygen. For this reason, oxygen deficiency develops very quickly.

The biggest danger– carbon monoxide is invisible and not perceptible in any way, it has neither odor nor color, that is, the cause of the illness is not obvious, it is not always possible to detect it immediately. Carbon monoxide cannot be felt in any way, which is why its second name is the silent killer.

Feeling tired, lack of strength and dizzy, a person makes a fatal mistake - he decides to lie down. And, even if he later understands the reason and the need for going out into the air, as a rule, he is no longer able to do anything. Knowledge could save many symptoms of CO poisoning– knowing them, it is possible to suspect the cause of the ailment in time and accept necessary measures to salvation.

Symptoms and signs

The severity of the lesion depends on several factors:

  • state of health and physiological characteristics person. Weakened, having chronic diseases, especially those accompanied by anemia, the elderly, pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the effects of CO;
  • duration of exposure of the CO compound to the body;
  • concentration of carbon monoxide in inspired air;
  • physical activity during poisoning. The higher the activity, the faster poisoning occurs.

Severity

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Light degree severity is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • general weakness;
  • headaches, mainly in the frontal and temporal regions;
  • knocking in the temples;
  • noise in ears;
  • dizziness;
  • visual impairment – ​​flickering, dots before the eyes;
  • unproductive, i.e. dry cough;
  • rapid breathing;
  • lack of air, shortness of breath;
  • lacrimation;
  • nausea;
  • hyperemia (redness) skin and mucous membranes;
  • tachycardia;
  • promotion blood pressure.

Symptoms medium degree severity is the preservation of all the symptoms of the previous stage and their more severe form:

  • fogginess, possible loss of consciousness for a short time;
  • vomit;
  • hallucinations, both visual and auditory;
  • violation by vestibular apparatus, uncoordinated movements;
  • pressing chest pain.

Severe degree poisoning is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • paralysis;
  • long-term loss of consciousness, coma;
  • convulsions;
  • dilated pupils;
  • involuntary bowel movement Bladder and intestines;
  • increased heart rate up to 130 beats per minute, but it is faintly palpable;
  • cyanosis (blue discoloration) of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • breathing problems – it becomes shallow and intermittent.

Atypical forms

There are two of them - fainting and euphoric.

Symptoms of fainting:

  • pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of the euphoric form:

  • psychomotor agitation;
  • violation mental functions: delirium, hallucinations, laughter, strange behavior;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • respiratory and heart failure.

First aid for victims

Only numbers

  • A mild degree of poisoning occurs already at a carbon monoxide concentration of 0.08% - headache, dizziness, suffocation, and general weakness occur.
  • An increase in CO concentration to 0.32% causes motor paralysis and fainting. After about half an hour, death occurs.
  • At a CO concentration of 1.2% and above, a fulminant form of poisoning develops - in a couple of breaths a person receives a lethal dose, death occurs within a maximum of 3 minutes.
  • The exhaust gases of a passenger car contain from 1.5 to 3% carbon monoxide. Contrary to popular belief, you can get poisoned while the engine is running not only indoors, but also outdoors.
  • About two and a half thousand people in Russia are hospitalized annually with varying degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) // Harmful substances in industry. Handbook for chemists, engineers and doctors / Ed. N.V. Lazarev and I.D. Gadaskina. - 7th ed. - L.: Chemistry, 1977. - T. 3. - P. 240-253. - 608 p.

Carbon monoxide concentration and symptoms of poisoning

Prevention measures

In order to minimize the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is enough to follow the following rules:

  • operate stoves and fireplaces in accordance with the rules, regularly check the operation of the ventilation system in a timely manner, and trust the laying of stoves and fireplaces only to professionals;
  • not be there long time near busy roads;
  • Always turn off the car engine in a closed garage. It only takes five minutes of engine operation for the concentration of carbon monoxide to become lethal - remember this;
  • When staying in a car for a long time, and even more so sleeping in a car, always turn off the engine;
  • make it a rule - if symptoms occur that suggest carbon monoxide poisoning, provide an influx of air as soon as possible fresh air, open the windows, or better yet leave the room. Do not lie down if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak.

Remember - carbon monoxide is insidious, it acts quickly and imperceptibly, so life and health depend on speed measures taken. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Carbon monoxide (CO) is Chemical substance, which causes acute poisoning. It is dangerous to health and life. The negative impact of carbon monoxide on the human body is based on the transformation of blood composition and damage respiratory systems s.

The consequences of poisoning are very severe and often result in death.

Physical and chemical properties of CO (carbon monoxide) Carbon monoxide is a colorless gaseous substance, without specific smell

, lighter in density than air. Highly flammable. The substance is very toxic. Because it has no smell. Fatal cases of poisoning are recorded frequently. CO is formed during the combustion of any material and is concentrated in the air. Once in the body, the substance interacts with hemoglobin and forms a strong complex - carboxyhemoglobin. This connection breaks physiological functions

blood, blocks the transport of oxygen to tissues. As a result of oxygen starvation, biochemical processes are disrupted. When a person inhales polluted air, carbon monoxide enters chemical reaction

with hemoglobin faster than oxygen. With each breath, the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin increases.

  • Signs of poisoning appear when hemoglobin is replaced: by 20% – mild degree
  • general intoxication;
  • 30% – moderate poisoning;
  • 40-50% – loss of consciousness;

60-70% is a lethal dose. The higher the CO content in the air, the faster it accumulates in the body.– 0.1% in inhaled air (death occurs within an hour). Carbon monoxide is a toxic substance that belongs to the 2nd and 3rd hazard classes (medium and high). In enclosed spaces, signs of intoxication appear faster than in open areas. Able physical activity the time of human poisoning is reduced; at rest, the degree of poisoning increases slowly. This is due to the fact that stress on the body increases the breathing rate and lung volume.

Conditions under which a person can get carbon monoxide poisoning

Most often, CO poisoning occurs in enclosed spaces during domestic fires. Residents of private houses with gas or stove heating are at risk. An improperly designed air exchange system (ventilation, draft in chimneys) contributes to the accumulation of substances in the room.

For industrial purposes, carbon monoxide is used for the synthesis of organic compounds. In case of non-compliance and gross violation of safety regulations, the risk of poisoning among employees increases.

Carbon monoxide is a component of automobile exhaust. Therefore, you can become poisoned by the substance in a garage with insufficient ventilation, poor ventilation, in long tunnels, or during a long stay near highways and congested roads.

You can get poisoned at home if the stove dampers are not closed, or if there is a leak of lighting gas, which is used in heating systems of private buildings. Cases of intoxication due to hookah abuse have been recorded.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The effect of carbon monoxide on the human body depends on the level of its concentration in the air. A mild degree of damage to the body quickly becomes moderate and is manifested by suffocation and headache. First to react to lack of oxygen nervous system. Signs of her defeat:

  • pain in the cranial cavity of a pulsating nature, pounding in the temples, dizziness, nausea not associated with food intake, single vomiting;
  • visual disturbances, lacrimation;
  • mental instability, irritability, emotional outbursts, impaired coordination of movements, especially fine motor skills, memory instability, auditory and visual hallucinations;
  • decreased mental and physical activity, shortness of breath, chest pain with any movement;
  • heart rate increases, blood pressure rises slightly;
  • the skin and mucous membranes acquire a bright scarlet color.

Carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy, even at low concentrations, leads to the death of the embryo during pregnancy. early stages and fetus in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Mild intoxication is deadly for people with severe heart and vascular diseases.

In case of severe poisoning, the victim develops drowsiness, apathy, constant tinnitus, and headaches become more intense. Due to damage to the nasal mucosa, a profuse runny nose appears. Nausea intensifies, vomiting becomes more frequent. Motor muscles are affected by paralysis due to ataxia - destabilization of coordination motor activity. Breathing becomes frequent and shallow. The person is conscious, but it is confused.

The impact of carbon monoxide on the human body at high concentrations is characterized by the following symptoms, which indicates extremely severe poisoning:

  • fainting, unconsciousness;
  • breathing is periodic, cyclical, rare shallow breaths gradually become more frequent and become deep;
  • heart rhythms are depressed, pulse is weak;
  • convulsions, seizures;
  • pupils react poorly to light;
  • sudden bluish discoloration of the skin;
  • involuntary urination and uncontrolled bowel movements;
  • lack of reflexes, state of deep coma;
  • cessation of breathing and heartbeat, death.

First aid to the victim

Before the ambulance arrives, it is important to properly provide the person with first aid. When entering the room, open the door wide and support it with any heavy object so that it does not close. Then you should stop the supply of carbon monoxide - close the damper on the stove, turn off the heating system. After this, open all the windows in the room. The air flow will instantly reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide.

Take the victim outside as quickly as possible, free him from restrictive clothing, and cover him with a warm blanket or rug. If the weather is clear outside, it is better to place the person in the sun rather than in the shade. Direct Sun rays destroy carboxyhemoglobin.

If the victim is not breathing, begin resuscitation measures - cardiac massage and artificial respiration.

Medical assistance for CO poisoning

Upon arrival of the ambulance, the patient is immediately connected to an oxygen bag. The O2 supply must be continuous and powerful for 3 hours. An emergency doctor is required to administer acyzol to a person, an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pharmacological action of the drug:

  • prevents the formation of the carboxyhemoglobin complex;
  • promotes the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin;
  • stabilizes oxygen delivery to tissues;
  • reduces body intoxication;
  • biotransforms carboxyhemoglobin and removes it from the bloodstream;
  • increases stability internal organs To oxygen starvation, reducing the tissue need for O2;
  • replenishes zinc deficiency.

Acizol as an antidote for carbon monoxide is administered intramuscularly in a dose of 1 ml. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 ml. The course of treatment with the drug is from 7 to 10 days. Side effects no antidote has been identified. Sometimes a painful infiltrate may occur in the area where the drug was administered. In case of an overdose, the patient experiences a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, and headaches.

To stimulate breathing, nervous and vascular system caffeine is prescribed subcutaneously. Action of the drug:

  • enhances heart function;
  • dilates blood vessels;
  • increases heart rate;
  • promotes urine separation;
  • eliminates headache.

Carboxylase (an enzyme) helps partially remove carbon monoxide from the body. It promotes the rupture of the carboxyhemoglobin complex and the cleavage of CO molecules from hemoglobin. The drug is administered intravenously.

Complications

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic substance. Therefore, human poisoning in rare cases goes away without leaving a trace. Intoxication of the body leads to consequences varying degrees gravity.

Possible complications:

  • damage to the sense organs - hearing, vision;
  • trophic skin lesions - swelling, blisters, necrosis;
  • circulatory disorders in the brain;
  • hemorrhages in the space between meninges and cobwebs;
  • numerous toxic nerve lesions;
  • signs of cerebral edema;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • myoglobinuric nephrosis – acute failure kidney, which develops with toxic damage organ;
  • severe pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs that occurs in a patient during a long stay in a coma.

People who have suffered CO poisoning often develop late complications, months or even years later. The psyche and nervous system suffer the most.

Patients complain of memory loss, decreased concentration and level of intelligence. A person does not perceive new information well and loses the ability to learn. Psychoses gradually develop - reaction and mental activity person contradicts reality. The perception of the surrounding world is disrupted, behavior is disorganized.

Long-term consequences of damage to the nervous system:

  • development of blindness;
  • paralysis;
  • dysfunction of the large and small pelvic organs;
  • parkinsonism.

Over time, such pathologies appear on the part of the heart;

  • cardiac asthma;
  • inflammation of the membranes of the heart;
  • angina pectoris;
  • myocardial infarction.

From the respiratory system - frequent outbreaks of pneumonia.

To reduce the likelihood of occurrence severe complications, it is important to provide emergency medical care in a timely manner and administer an antidote.

The health effects of carbon monoxide always contribute to serious operational failure internal systems and organs. In most cases it leads to the death of a person. Therefore, caution in the operation of heating devices should be paramount. The rules of occupational safety and health must not be neglected. In rooms where there is a risk of increasing the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, you need to install a special sensor to monitor the situation. This device runs on batteries or mains and does not require special maintenance. When a toxic substance increases in the air, it sounds a sound signal.

The silent killer is the name given to carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide. Due to the lack of color and odor, the gas is not detectable organoleptically.

According to statistics, the mortality rate from carbon monoxide poisoning is 60-70% of total number cases of mortality from inhalation poisoning. The UN has assigned carbon monoxide a hazard class of 2.

Carbon monoxide is a major source of air pollution. It is emitted in vehicle exhaust, containing tobacco smoke, with incomplete combustion of natural gas. Faulty hoods, air ducts, and the use of homemade heating devices cause fatal intoxication with carbon (II) monoxide.

The danger of carbon monoxide is that it is produced endogenously and is a signal molecule of gaseous substances in the body, therefore, when it accumulates in the room, they do not turn on defense mechanisms. The body accepts it as “one of its own” and signaling systems dangers do not work.

If the main source of danger for a rural resident is smoke - carbon monoxide released when the stove damper is closed early, then for a city dweller the most common cause of poisoning is car repair in his own garage.

Already in the amount of 0.08% of the total volume of air, CO causes the first signs of poisoning. If the gas content increases 4 times, then loss of orientation occurs, the ability to move and think logically is lost. At a concentration of 1.2%, death occurs within 3-4 minutes from respiratory arrest.

Don’t delude yourself that by switching from wood-burning stoves and stoves to natural gas, the person has completely protected himself from CO. Even a wide-bottomed pan on the stove causes carbon monoxide to accumulate in the kitchen.

Carbon monoxide has accompanied people from the moment of the first conscious use of open fire to the present day, so you simply need to know how to identify the signs of poisoning and methods of treatment. first aid.

In the human body, carbon monoxide is synthesized by tissue cells. It plays the role of a neurotransmitter and affects muscle fibers in the walls of blood vessels. Insufficient synthesis of endogenous CO is associated with:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • hypertension;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • heart failure.

Carbon monoxide promotes transmission nerve impulses, its role in the formation of long-term memory is especially important. Released into the presynaptic cleft, the gas “returns” the signal to the membrane of the transmitter synapse, which increases its transmitting ability.

Carbon monoxide promotes the formation of a new capillary network. Participation in angiogenesis has positive value during tissue regeneration, during the period of body growth, during vascular thrombosis or the formation of scar tissue.

Normally, angiogenesis occurs continuously and is slow. IN malignant tumors angiogenesis proceeds more intensely, which causes tumor growth and metastasis.

The study of the role and properties of endogenous carbon monoxide is of great scientific and practical importance. IN scientific literature The results of studies have been published confirming the theory that endogenous CO has cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Experiments are being conducted using carbon monoxide in the treatment of the following pathologies:

  • ischemic stroke;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • graft rejection;
  • sepsis;
  • malaria;
  • autoimmune pathologies.

Endogenous CO is involved in the regulation of processes occurring in the body. Therefore, the immune and protective systems of cells perceive the gas as a natural component and do not signal the danger of intoxication.

Carbon monoxide, penetrating into the human body, binds to hemoglobin in the blood, forming a stable compound - carboxyhemoglobin. It displaces oxygen from red blood cells as it is less active and leads to several types of oxygen starvation:

  • fabric;
  • transport (hemic);
  • circular (cardiovascular);
  • pulmonary;
  • exogenous.

Carboxyhemoglobin is a more stable compound than oxyhemoglobin, and the diffusion of CO from the resulting compound is much slower. The gas easily overcomes the blood-brain barrier and penetrates cell membranes, causing organic lesions CNS.

Different tissues react differently to carbon monoxide toxicity. Most susceptible pathological changes those in which the blood supply is more intense. Hypoxia affects the nervous tissue of the brain, heart muscle, lung and vascular tissue, and smooth muscle tissue.

The severity of symptoms of intoxication depends on the condition of the organ. First of all, those who already have pathology suffer. The degree of intoxication also depends on the physical activity of the victim at the time of poisoning.

Of great importance are also individual characteristicslow speed metabolism, genetic disorders, susceptibility to toxins, level of evolutionary complexity of the central nervous system, constitutional characteristics, nutritional quality. The degree of intoxication depends on these and other indicators. Even the same concentration of carbon monoxide can cause different symptoms and severity of poisoning.

Intoxication is most severe in children, the elderly and pregnant women. So, for example, when severe poisoning can occur in the body irreversible changes or the recovery process may take a long time. 10-30% of victims experience long-term (up to 6 weeks) dysfunction of the nervous system:

  • lack of self-criticism;
  • decrease in mnestic functions;
  • personality change;
  • psychoemotional disorders.

Carbon monoxide poisoning during gestation poses a danger not only to the health of the woman, but also to the developing fetus. Impact on all organs great amount aggravating factors cause greater differentiation of clinical manifestations.

Signs and manifestations of intoxication

Intoxication of varying degrees of severity is manifested not only by differences in the severity of symptoms, but also in different symptom complexes.

The initial stages of intoxication appear:

  • muscle atony;
  • dizziness;
  • ringing in the ears and the appearance of “flares” or dark “gnats” before the eyes;
  • nausea turning into vomiting;
  • asthenia or short-term agitation;
  • loss of orientation in space;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • redness of the face;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • pain in chest and head.

Severe poisoning is accompanied by:

  • cyanosis;
  • delusional;
  • hallucinations;
  • convulsions;
  • coma and death.

When intoxicated with carbon monoxide, a person is not able to critically assess the situation and try to avoid further exposure to the toxic agent. That's why great importance has correct and timely delivery prehospital care.

Providing pre-hospital care to the victim

His health and life depend on how adequately and quickly assistance is provided to the victim. There have been cases fatal outcome 1-2 weeks after poisoning due to complications that have developed. The prehospital care algorithm is as follows:

  • the patient should be immediately isolated from the source of carbon monoxide - taken to the air;
  • loosen parts of the wardrobe that impede free breathing - collar, belt, trouser waistband;
  • if there is an oxygen cushion, allow the patient to breathe. Oxygen will relieve signs of hypoxia;
  • if the victim is conscious, then the processes of metabolism and detoxification should be stimulated - give him a drink of warm, strong or strong;
  • to prevent hypothermia and restore blood supply, it is necessary to rub the limbs, warm the victim with a heating pad or blanket;
  • if the patient is unconscious, then it is necessary to lay him on his side, raising his legs higher to prevent aspiration of vomit or tongue;
  • clean the oral cavity;
  • try to restore consciousness with the help of ammonia;
  • carry out resuscitation measures;
  • call an ambulance.

Further treatment of intoxication is carried out in medical institution. If timely assistance is provided, the prognosis for the pathological condition is favorable.

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Carbon monoxide is a strong toxic substance that, when entering the body, leads to disruption of the functioning of its organs and systems.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in a variety of places. This substance is odorless, which undoubtedly increases its danger, since people are not aware of its presence in the air.

The entire body is forced to work under conditions of severe oxygen deficiency. It leads to serious consequences: damage to the heart, brain, lungs, skeletal muscles.

The effect of carbon monoxide on the human body

First of all, it is necessary to consider its effect on the composition and functioning of the blood. This dangerous substance enters the human body through the respiratory tract into the lungs, which are well supplied with blood. It is here that the poison is quickly absorbed into the blood.

IN bloodstream carbon monoxide seeks out red blood cells and binds to them. These blood cells, in turn, perform an important function - respiratory. That is, they bind oxygen and transfer it to all organs and tissues.

In case of poisoning, carboxyhemoglobin is formed in the blood, which is no longer able to perform this function. That is, red blood cells lose their ability to capture oxygen. In this case, severe pathological condition– hypoxia, that is, oxygen starvation.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur under the following conditions:

  • Household. Released during fires a large number of this dangerous gas. This occurs when the interior burns, the decoration of which contains plastic, wiring and household appliances. When staying for a long time in a closed garage where the car is running. In a traffic jam in calm weather. In the event of a domestic gas leak, as well as improper operation of furnace equipment;
  • Production. Poisoning can occur in the gas and automobile industries. Where carbon monoxide is used for the synthesis of organic compounds.

It should be noted that children, pregnant women, elderly and weakened people are most sensitive to carbon monoxide. Let's take a closer look at the consequences of individual body systems.

Effect on heart function

Under conditions of hypoxia, the heart activates compensatory devices. That is, under any conditions it tries to fulfill its main function– supply the body with oxygen-enriched blood.


When carbon monoxide enters the blood, the oxygen concentration in it decreases significantly.
In this case, the heart begins to pump blood through the systemic and pulmonary circulation at a higher speed. This leads to tachycardia - an increase in the number of heartbeats per minute.

At first, the tachycardia is moderate, but with severe poisoning or prolonged exposure to gas on the body, the pulse becomes frequent, but weakly filled. The heart rate reaches 130 – 140 beats per minute.

On the background severe tachycardia and hypoxia, there is a high probability of developing myocardial infarction.

Consequences for the central nervous system

With the bloodstream, the toxin enters the brain, where it has Negative influence to its various departments. First, a person feels a severe headache, and “cerebral vomiting” may occur, which occurs when the center of the brain responsible for digestion is irritated.

Carbon monoxide causes problems nervous regulation, which manifests itself as dysfunction various organs feelings:

  • Hearing impairment (noise, ringing), decreased hearing acuity;
  • Violation visual function. There may be fog, spots in front of the eyes, blurry pictures, decreased visual acuity (may be significant).

When the cerebellum is damaged, the victim exhibits the following: pathological signs like unsteady gait and lack of coordination.

IN severe cases a large volume of the brain is affected, which manifests itself in such consequences as convulsive syndrome and coma.

Carbon monoxide and respiratory organs

Hypoxia provokes disruption of the respiratory system. There is hyperventilation of the lungs, that is, shortness of breath, which progresses over time. This is a compensatory mechanism. Thus, the lungs try to eliminate the oxygen deficiency in the body.

If a person with carbon monoxide poisoning is not immediately given help, then his breathing becomes shallow, that is, unproductive. In this case, respiratory arrest and death of the victim may occur.

Effect of gas on skeletal muscles

Muscles need a constant supply of oxygen. If it is deficient, they cease to function fully. The person experiences severe weakness. He cannot stand on his feet; they give way.

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In severe cases, muscle weakness is pronounced. A person is unable to stand up, pick up even a light object, or call for help.

Symptoms of poisoning

The clinical picture of poisoning in this case depends on the severity pathological process(the amount of carbon monoxide affecting the body and the time a person spends in unfavorable conditions).

There are 3 degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • The first or mild degree is manifested by headache, pressure in the temples and forehead, nausea, and single vomiting. There is dizziness and slight weakness in the body. Man complains about rapid heartbeat and chest tightness. In rare cases, auditory hallucinations are recorded;
  • Second or moderate severity characterized by neurological symptoms. The patient experiences complete or partial paresis and paralysis. The victim is drowsy and has reduced hearing;
  • Third or severe degree. The patient is in critical condition and requires immediate medical attention. Convulsions and loss of consciousness are observed. Uncontrolled bladder and bowel movements may occur. Breathing is shallow, pupils almost do not react to light. There is a high probability of death before arrival at the hospital.

First aid and subsequent recovery

A person suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should receive first aid as soon as possible. The outcome of the poisoning depends on this.

Algorithm for providing first emergency care to the victim:


The ambulance crew continues to provide assistance to the victim:

  • Oxygen is supplied through an oxygen mask;
  • It is necessary to introduce an antidote - Acizol. The solution is administered intramuscularly in a volume of 1 milliliter. This drug eliminates the negative effects of carbon monoxide. It is capable of destroying carboxyhemoglobin formed in the blood;
  • To restore the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, subcutaneous administration of caffeine is indicated;
  • Carboxylase is administered intravenously. This drug is an enzyme that destroys carboxyhemoglobin;
  • Hospitalization of the victim in a hospital.

In the hospital it is carried out symptomatic therapy, and also continue treatment with Acizol. The course of treatment with this drug is at least 7 days.

Consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning

Please remember that carbon monoxide is a potent toxic substance. Therefore, the consequences of poisoning are very diverse.

Doctors identify 2 types of consequences that arise due to toxic effects of this substance:

  • Early occurs in the first few days after poisoning;
  • Late - develops after several weeks or months.

TO early complications relate:


Late consequences are due to the fact that many organs and systems were damaged under the influence of carbon monoxide.

Late Negative consequences most often observed from the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems:


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Carbon monoxide poisoning is a condition dangerous to human health and life. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, first aid is required. as soon as possible and qualified treatment. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Therefore, it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to determine its presence in the atmosphere.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning

If a person is poisoned by carbon monoxide, it is necessary to immediately provide him with first aid.

IN mandatory An emergency medical team should be called, even if the patient’s condition does not cause concern.

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, first aid must be provided:

  • Stop the victim's contact with toxic air. To do this, it is necessary to immediately remove or remove the person from the area of ​​contamination with combustion products. However, the person providing assistance must also take care of himself. That is, protect your respiratory tract from the penetration of poison. To do this, put on a gas mask or cover your mouth and nose with a cloth moistened with water;
  • When a person is outside the infection zone, assess his condition;
  • If a person is conscious, then he must be wrapped, warmed and given hot sweet tea to drink. Wait with him for the ambulance to arrive, do not leave him alone;
  • If the patient is unconscious or confused, place him on his side. This will prevent aspiration of vomit if it occurs. Monitor your pulse and breathing and let them sniff a cotton swab moistened with ammonia;
  • If there is no pulse or breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose, and for children under one year of age, mouth-to-nose. Resuscitation measures are performed until the pulse and breathing resume or until doctors arrive.

For first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning, watch the video:

Emergency assistance to the victim

Upon arrival of the ambulance team, the first health care in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning:

Groups of patients who are subject to mandatory hospitalization to the hospital:

  • Patients who have lost consciousness, even for a short time;
  • Hypothermia, that is, a person’s body temperature is below normal (36.6 degrees);
  • Availability of such alarming symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, loss of coordination and motor activity;
  • Patients who were registered clinical death(respiratory and cardiac arrest);
  • Children and pregnant women in any condition;
  • People suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Antidote for poisoning

An antidote is a remedy that significantly weakens or completely stops the toxic effect of a poison on the body.

The antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning is 6% Acyzole. What is Acizol? This is a fast-acting drug that helps:

  • Blocking the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. This is a substance that blocks the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body;
  • Cleansing the body of a toxic substance - carbon monoxide.
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An antidote for poisoning by combustion products must be administered as early as possible, this will help avoid dangerous complications.

Algorithm for introducing Acizol into the victim’s body:

  • Administration of the drug intramuscularly immediately or shortly after evacuation of the victim from the area contaminated with combustion products. 1 milliliter of Acizol solution is injected;
  • Repeated administration of the antidote 1 hour after the first injection.

It is possible to use an antidote with for preventive purposes. For this 1 milliliter medicine administered intramuscularly half an hour before entering a contaminated room.

How does carbon monoxide affect the body?

Carbon monoxide has a negative effect on the entire body. This substance quickly penetrates the victim’s blood, even after a couple of breaths.

How longer person breathes poisoned air, the more severe his condition and the more likely the development of dangerous complications and death.

What happens in the body upon penetration carbon dioxide into it?

  • Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood. In this case, carboxyhemoglobin appears. This compound prevents the binding and transfer of oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body. Which leads to hypoxia. First of all, the brain suffers, which is very sensitive to lack of oxygen;
  • This toxic substance disrupts the biochemical balance and metabolic processes in tissues;
  • It reacts with muscle protein– myoglobin. This leads to disruption of the functioning of the heart muscle, since muscle weakens and cannot pump blood fully. Nutrition in tissues and organs is disrupted.

Signs and symptoms of intoxication

The clinical picture of poisoning depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Which in turn is closely related to the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the duration of its contact with humans. There are 3 degrees of severity of carbon monoxide poisoning: mild, moderate, severe.

Severity of poisoning Pathological symptoms of poisoning
Mild poisoning Headache, cough, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, redness of the skin, lacrimation, nausea, occasional vomiting
Moderate poisoning Vomit, severe weakness, lethargy, desire fall asleep, lethargy, visual and auditory hallucinations, muscle paralysis, shortness of breath, confusion
Severe poisoning Breathing problems and heart rate, the skin becomes bluish, there is no consciousness, convulsions, spontaneous emptying of the bladder and intestines, coma and death of the patient in the absence of help.

Signs of poisoning occur more quickly in weakened people, children and pregnant women.

Causes of poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur both at home and at work. In fact, danger can lurk anywhere at any moment. Intoxication can occur accidentally or intentionally (for the purpose of suicide).

Let us highlight several main causes of human poisoning with carbon monoxide:

  • Inhalation of combustion products. Poisoning occurs during a fire, when a person is in a smoky room and inhales smoke;
  • In production, where this gas is actively used and safety precautions are violated. That is, gas leaks occur due to faulty equipment, poor ventilation or its complete absence, and so on;
  • In areas with a large concentration of cars. Exhaust gases accumulate there and long stay in them leads to poisoning. Such places include: garages, busy highways, underground parking lots, tunnels;
  • Leakage of domestic gas in apartments and houses;
  • Long-term use of kerosene lamps in an unventilated area;
  • In houses and premises with stove heating if it malfunctions or the damper is not closed in a timely manner.

Possible complications

Poisoning does not go away without leaving a trace, and even with mild intoxication, certain consequences are observed.

Complications that may occur with mild and moderate severity intoxication:

  • Chronic headaches and weather sensitivity, that is, a person experiences a deterioration in health due to weather changes;
  • Frequent dizziness;
  • Decreased cognitive abilities. That is, memory, attention, and perception of new information deteriorate;
  • Deterioration in vision;
  • Emotional instability(frequent outbursts of anger, anger, which are replaced by apathy).

Complications that arise from severe intoxication:

  • Hemorrhages in the brain;
  • Swelling of brain tissue;
  • Acute myocardial infarction due to hypoxia;
  • Inflammation respiratory tract(severe bronchitis, pneumonia);
  • Coma is the most serious consequence poisoning, which can result in the death of the patient.

How to detect carbon monoxide indoors

Carbon monoxide without special devices it is not possible to detect indoors, since it has no taste, no smell, no color.

You should be wary if you smell smoke (even barely perceptible) and feel unwell without visible reasons(nausea, vomiting, weakness).

Gas analyzers are used to determine carbon monoxide in the air. Which can be purchased in specialized stores. However, most often they are installed in production or in private homes with stove heating.

Due to the difficulty of detecting it, the Ministry of Emergency Situations recommends taking all precautions, namely:

  • Maintain ventilation in proper condition and periodically check its functionality;
  • Monitor the serviceability of stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and gas equipment;
  • Ventilate the room;
  • Observe safety precautions at work.