User Manual

2.3 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Table A

Concentration

of CO in Air

Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed

ppm

35 The maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure in any

8 hour period according to OSHA

150 Slight headache after 1.5 hours.

200 Slight headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea after 2-3 hours.

400 Frontal headaches within 1-2 hours, life threatening after 3 hours, also maximum

parts per million in flue gas (on an air free basis) according to US Environmental

Protection Agency.

800 Dizziness, nausea and convulsions within 45 minutes. Unconsciousness within

2 hours. Death within 2-3 hours.

1,600 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 20 minutes. Death within 1 hour.

3,200 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 5-10 minutes. Death within 25-30 minutes.

6,400 Headache, dizziness and nausea within 1-2 minutes. Death within 10-15 minutes.

12,800 Death within 1-3 minutes.

The following symptoms may be related to CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed

with ALL members of the household:

Mild exposure: Headaches, running nose, sore eyes, often described as “flu” -like symptoms;

Medium exposure: Dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting;

Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness, brain damage, death.

Many cases of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING indicate that while victims are aware they

are not well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the

building or calling for assistance.

ppm = parts per million *OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Association