What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas, which is mainly produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Incomplete combustion occurs when insufficient oxygen is used in the fuel burning process. Some examples of this are the following: vehicle exhausts, fuel burning furnaces, coal burning power plants, small gasoline engines, portable gasoline-powered generators, power washers, fire places, charcoal grills, marine engines, forklifts, propane-powered heaters, gas water heaters, and kerosene heaters.
A surplus of carbon dioxide can result in damage to the respiratory and central nervous systems of the body as well as conditions like hypercapnia. Extended exposure to carbon dioxide can even prove fatal.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning can occur in people that use gasoline-powered tools including high-pressure power washers, cutting saws, floor buffers, welders, compressors, and generators in buildings. Even in areas that seem to be well-ventilated, carbon monoxide can rapidly accumulate and build up to dangerous amounts within minutes.
Employers and equipment users should not allow the use of gasoline-powered engines inside buildings or enclosed areas unless gas engines can be located outside away from air intakes. Personal carbon monoxide monitors should be used and equipped with audible alarms to warn workers when CO concentrations are too high. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ceiling limit for CO is 200 parts per million. You can read the NIOSH publications here: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/all_date_desc_nopubnumbers.html.
If your health has been affected by carbon dioxide poisoning, be it an accident or otherwise, you need to be made aware of your legal options. We will work diligently on your behalf to explore the most effective means of making your case. If you need to speak with a carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer, contact our office today.
Read more about carbon monoxide on our website: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
