Facts About Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide (chemical symbol CO) is an extremely dangerous colorless and odorless gas that can cause many serious health problems, and can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning carbon containing fuels and, due to its unobtrusive composition, frequently goes undetected. In the event of carbon monoxide exposure, the chemical enters the body during inhalation and goes into the lungs. It is then absorbed by the hemoglobin in the red blood cells and displaces the red blood cells ability to carry oxygen, affecting your heart, brain, and other vital organs.
Carbon monoxide exposure is generally classified into two categories, acute and chronic. Acute refers to one exposure lasting less than twenty-four hours. Chronic exposure generally involves lower levels of carbon monoxide and a exposure(s) of greater than twenty-four hours.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include confusion, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. In many situations, people who visit the doctor for theses symptoms are often misdiagnosed as having the flu, allergies, food poisoning, psychiatric issues, or heart problems. Often symptoms will occur in more than one person and pets. These symptoms may resolve temporarily when the victim leaves the carbon monoxide producing environment.
Many people are unknowingly exposed to carbon monoxide in their homes and daily lives due to products such as cigarettes, kitchen appliances, vehicle exhaust, barbeques, and indoor heating systems. In addition to being exposed to carbon monoxide in the home, people who work in various industries may also be at risk. Employees in the following fields may suffer from carbon monoxide exposure:
- Welding
- Mechanical work and auto repair
- Firefighter
- Longshore employees
- Forklift drivers
- Parking structure attendants
If you have suffered as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning or chemical exposure, you should hire an experienced California carbon monoxide lawyer from Van Der Walde & Associates today. We may be able to recover for you monetary compensation for your chemical poisoning injuries as well as other related costs, such as medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
