Boating and Carbon Monoxide
Boating is an outdoor activity where fresh breezes, the wind in one’s face and wide open spaces put the thought of carbon monoxide poisoning far from one’s mind. But don’t be fooled, carbon monoxide can be found anytime fuels are being burned and boaters should be aware of how to monitor it and avoid its deadly affects.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced when a carbon-based fuel-such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil-burns. Sources on your boat may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.
Why is it so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide (CO) enters your bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very quick exposure to high concentrations can kill you.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. They are often confused with seasickness or intoxication, so those affected may not receive the medical attention they need.
Altitude, certain health-related problems, and age will increase the effects of CO. Persons who smoke or are exposed to high concentrations of cigarette smoke, consume alcohol, or have lung disorders or heart problems are particularly susceptible to an increase in the effects from CO. However, anyone can be affected. Another factor to consider is that physical exertion accelerates the rate at which the blood absorbs CO. It is also important to know that the effects of CO can last long after any exposure, so avoiding exposure is the best medicine.
Emergency Treatment for CO Poisoning
CO poisoning or toxicity is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. The following is a list of things that should be done if CO poisoning is suspected. Proceed with caution. The victim may be in an area of high CO concentration, which means you or others could in danger from exposure to CO.
• Evaluate the situation and ventilate the area if possible. Shut off potential sources of CO.
• Evacuate the area and move affected person(s) to a fresh air environment.
• Observe the victim(s).
• Administer oxygen, if available.
• Contact medical help. If the victim is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate, until medical help arrives. Prompt action can mean the difference between life and death.
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning go to the US Coast Guard’s website at www.uscgboating.org/command/co/accumulate.htm