Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Reprinted from Transport Canada website, May 2007
It is very important that all boaters are made aware of the possible deadly circumstances surrounding Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a non flammable colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced during the incomplete combustion of fuel - Natural Gas, Oil, Coal, Wood, Kerosene, etc.
Carbon Monoxide inhibits the blood capacity to carry oxygen.
By replacing oxygen with carbon monoxide in our blood, our bodies poison themselves by cutting off the needed oxygen to our organs and cells, causing various amounts of damage - depending on exposure.
Low
levels of carbon monoxide poisoning (10%) result in symptoms commonly mistaken for flu and cold symptoms - shortness of breath or mild exertion, mild headaches and nausea. With higher levels of poisoning (30%) the
symptoms become more severe -dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, fainting on mild exertion. At high levels of poisoning (50% or more) there may be unconsciousness and death.
Smokers and individuals with pathological medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of CO poisoning. Medical experts agree that it is difficult to estimate the total number of carbon monoxide incidents because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble so many other common ailments and these go unreported as such.
Cooking, heating, or even leaving a motor on idle for too long, particularly where there are enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, can result in a dangerous build-up of CO.
Particular attention
should be paid to this issue when there are after market changes to a vessel (cabin extensions, canvas tops fitted etc.) All boaters should use fuel-burning appliances only under well-ventilated conditions. It is
also important to be aware of exhaust gases and likely places they may billow up and drift into an enclosed or partially enclosed space.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors (marine grade recommended) must be installed
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. CO Detectors should be mounted inside where recommended by the manufacturer.
Enclosed spaces within the vessel are not the only places where the danger of
CO poisoning exists. Swimmers are urged to refrain from entering areas under swimming platforms mounted on vessels or between the pontoons of houseboats or any other areas where air circulation may be poor if any
engine exhaust gases may have recently been released in these areas.
A person can be overcome by and succumb to CO inhalation in as little as a few breaths.
This danger is real and is known to have caused death within seconds. Carbon Monoxide being colorless, tasteless and odorless, a sleeping person could not be aware that he or she is inhaling it and may
succumb in his or her sleep.
Note: The above statements are meant to be general in nature only and are not intended to cover all possible situations. Anyone seeking further detailed information on Carbon
Monoxide poisoning should seek professional advice. Also, it should be noted that the symptoms described may vary from person to person.
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