The Biochemical Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Humans

The biochemical effects of carbon monoxide exposure mimic many other diseases and conditions that affect the human body. Exposure to the odorless, tasteless, colorless, nonirritating gas raises the lipid and cholesterol count in the bloodstream, starves the cells in the human body of oxygen and in turn, allows the oxygen-starved cells to negatively affect other systems like the endocrine, circulatory and nervous systems. This results in symptoms that simulate other diseases.

Biochemical Effects

• Acute and chronic effects of carbon monoxide differ, but both need medical attention.

  The endocrine system is a system of glands throughout the brain and body that regulate mood, growth, sexual function and reproduction by the release of hormones. Carbon monoxide interrupts this process, which can lead to or exacerbate diseases like high cholesterol, social withdrawal and reproductive issues. Carbon monoxide starves red blood cells of oxygen. These cells are carried to the heart and brain in the circulatory system, which affects the nervous system, causing mental and emotional issues. The effects of carbon monoxide on the body can be insidious like social withdrawal because of sensitivity to stimuli or loss of consciousness. The effect of carbon monoxide on the body is enhanced in smokers.

Signs

• Installing a carbon monoxide detector is the best defense against the odorless gas

  Ninety percent of people who have been exposed to carbon monoxide have some common symptoms, like headache episodes with nausea and vomiting, fainting, weakness and vertigo or dizziness. Years of exposure to small concentrations that produce minor symptoms may cause difficulties in concentrating and emotional stability.

Symptoms

• Those who experience an inability to focus or concentrate, difficulty with thinking and remembering, losing the ability to find the right words or confuse similar words, difficulty with reading and comprehension, dyslexic moments or loss of IQ points, and decline in math skills may suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, poor reasoning and lack of good judgment, which is out of character to the person, is a major sign. People who notice a marked decline in the ability to switch between tasks or develop obsession/compulsion and fixation issues should be aware as well.

Course

• Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels like gasoline, coal, oil and wood. Gas stoves, fires and boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters, solid-fuel powered stoves, boilers and room heaters are all included also. Improper maintenance leads to poor combustion of fuels and inadequate removal of waste products due to blocked and partially blocked flues and chimneys; these are the main causes of poisoning. It the properties are conjoined, a person could become poisoned by carbon monoxide produced next door. The best defense is the installation of a carbon monoxide detector.