Many cases of reported Carbon Monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are
aware they are not well, they become so disorientated that they are unable to save
themselves by either leaving the building or calling for assistance. Young children and
household pets may be the first affected.
Table A: Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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.
ppm
Concentration
of CO in Air
Inhalation Time (approx) and Symptoms Developed
ppm = parts per million
*OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Association
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