Effects of Low Levels of Carbon Monoxide Over Time

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, can be a silent killer. The gas is tasteless, odorless and invisible. Chimneys, gas appliances, furnaces and automobile exhaust from garages are possible sources of low-level carbon monoxide leaks. Average carbon monoxide levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million, and between 5 and 15 in houses with gas stoves. If the gas level reaches above 30 parts per million, it becomes hazardous. It can take a day for symptoms of a low-level leak to appear, with symptoms worsening and multiplying over the course of a few weeks. Leave your house and call 911 if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak.

Physical Effects

• Physical symptoms related to small levels of carbon monoxide can be hard to attribute directly to CO because of their generality. Physical symptoms include everyday ailments such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, constant tiredness, vertigo and tingles. If your whole family is sick at the same time with similar physical symptoms, it could be carbon monoxide poisoning.

Effects on Memory

• Exposure over time to low levels of carbon monoxide can effect your ability to retain memory, a condition called anterograde amnesia --- the lack of ability to create new memories while still being able to retain old ones. Carbon monoxide, even low levels, can interfere with your brain's ability to multitask, problem solve and pay attention.

Emotional Concerns

• Inhalation of low levels of carbon monoxide can alter your personality and temperament. Symptoms include an increased level of anxiety and irritability, motivation issues, temper problems and difficulty spelling. Just like physical symptoms, emotional symptoms can seem vague. Follow your family's health and look for similar symptoms for hints of a carbon monoxide problem.

Sensory Disorders

• Carbon monoxide levels can also effect your sensory functions. Low levels of carbon monoxide can affect your vision, causing blurry sight or double vision. Eating, swallowing and speaking can become difficult . A constant buzz might afflict your hearing.

Solutions

• Small amounts of carbon monoxide are not immediately fatal but measures should be followed to ensure safety. Many long-term effects result from weeks of exposure. Purchase a CO monitor to detect any increase in the level of carbon monoxide in your home or business. Step outside if you feel several of the symptoms. Fresh air can quickly dissipate the effects of carbon monoxide inhalation. If you improve quickly with fresh air, the symptoms might be related to a carbon monoxide leak.