|
By Tammy Gay
“Incidents
of carbon monoxide poisoning can be reduced through
education and implementation of appropriate prevention
strategies.”
Tim
Struttmann,
director of the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research
Center
.
|
Jan.
25 , 2001 (Lexington, Ky.) -- During
1998 and
1999 there were 165 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning
in Kentucky, according to a recent study conducted
by Tim Struttmann, director of the Kentucky
Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University
of Kentucky.
In addition, there were 50 probable cases of poisoning
during this period, which is the most recent statistical
data available.
“Incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning can be
reduced through education and implementation of appropriate
prevention strategies,” Struttmann said. “Because
it is colorless, odorless and nonirritating, carbon
monoxide’s presence is not detected easily, and
people presented for treatment may be unaware of exposure.”
It is important to have carbon monoxide detectors
installed in homes and other buildings where there
is a possible source of exposure, Struttmann added.
The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal
or result in neurological effects that may be irreversible.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may be
similar to flu, such as headache, fatigue, dizziness
and nausea. Infants may be irritable and have poor
appetites. In very young children, two years old and
younger, symptoms include irritability, crying, poor
appetite, nausea/vomiting and lethargy.
There are several suggestions to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning:
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed
in homes and other buildings where there is a possible
source of exposure.
- Appliances and equipment should be installed
properly and maintained.
- Fuel-burning equipment and gasoline-powered tools
and engines should not be used indoors or in enclosed
spaces.
- Motor vehicles should not be allowed to idle in
closed or open garages.
|
