Carbon monoxide (CO): The "invisible" danger in the home
What is carbon monoxide and where is the gas found?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is mainly released in households and industry through the combustion of gas, oil, wood, coal or gasoline. Typical indoor sources are:
- Defective or poorly maintained heating systems (e.g. gas boilers)
- Open fires or wood-burning stoves
- Vehicle exhaust fumes, especially in enclosed spaces such as garages
- Barbecues or radiant heaters that are used indoors
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when people inhale carbon monoxide in dangerous concentrations. CO binds to haemoglobin in the blood, which is normally responsible for transporting oxygen. As carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin around 300 times more strongly than oxygen, the supply of oxygen to the cells is blocked. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the tissue, which can result in serious damage to health or death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly dangerous because those affected do not notice the gas and there are no immediately noticeable stimuli such as smell or taste to warn of the danger. To detect an (increased) concentration of the gas, you need a measuring device - such as the air-Q.
Typical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
According to the "S2k Guidelinefor theDiagnosis and Treatmentof Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" published by the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, the following symptoms may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling of weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
However, the following symptoms are signs of severe carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Orientation & consciousness disorder
- Seizure
- Angina pectoris
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Dyspnea, tachypnea
- Pulmonary edema
- ECG changes or pathological cardiac biomarkers
- Metabolic acidosis
- Very high CO-Hb values (BGA value at the end of exposure)
Long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur even after acute poisoning has been overcome, especially if the exposure has lasted for a long time or the poisoning was severe. These long-term effects mainly affect the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
Possible long-term consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Neurological damage: memory disorders (amnesia), concentration difficulties, cognitive impairments (e.g. slowed thinking), behavioral changes (depression, irritability), movement disorders (e.g. tremors, coordination problems), sleep disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, increased risk of heart attacks
- Delayed neurological syndrome: Some patients develop a delayed neurological syndrome after a few weeks to months, which is referred to as "Delayed Neuropsychiatric Syndrome" (DNS). Symptoms such as dementia, Parkinson's-like symptoms and personality changes can occur.
- Psychological consequences: Anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression
In the worst case, carbon monoxide poisoning leads to unconsciousness and respiratory arrest. The degree of impact depends on the concentration and duration of exposure to the pollutant.
According to the German Medical Association and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians , around 3,000 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning requiring medical treatment occur in Germany every year, with around 500 of these being fatal.
Typical risks of carbon monoxide in everyday life
Carbon monoxide can be released in many everyday situations, especially when combustion processes take place in closed or poorly ventilated rooms. The risk of poisoning increases if the exhaust gases are not adequately extracted.
During the cold season, heaters, fireplaces and stoves run more frequently. Defective or poorly maintained heating appliances (e.g. gas boilers or oil stoves) and blocked or damaged flue systems (chimneys) can lead to CO emissions. Open fireplaces can also release carbon monoxide if they are not properly ventilated. As windows and doors often remain closed, ventilation is restricted in winter, which increases the risk of CO accumulating in the air.
Another scenario occurs when camping. Here, portable gas heaters, camping stoves or barbecues used in tents, mobile homes or poorly ventilated rooms can release CO. Especially at low temperatures, people sometimes try to use camping heaters or gas stoves indoors, which is extremely dangerous.
During renovation work, ventilation systems can become blocked or damaged, resulting in fumes no longer escaping properly. This mainly occurs during work involving open flames or combustion processes, such as welding work or flaming paint.
If a car or motorcycle is running in a closed garage, dangerous concentrations of CO can also be released. Improper use of gas stoves in kitchens or defective appliances without adequate ventilation can also release carbon monoxide. Charcoal barbecues or other grills used in closed rooms or garages can also contribute to an increased concentration of carbon monoxide.
For whom is carbon monoxide poisoning particularly dangerous?
CO poisoning can cause severe developmental disorders or permanent damage, especially in children. Children breathe faster than adults, so they can absorb dangerous CO concentrations more quickly. They are therefore particularly susceptible to neurological damage due to oxygen deficiency.
Older people often have pre-existing health problems, such as heart or respiratory diseases, and are more sensitive to a lack of oxygen. They may also confuse symptoms of CO poisoning (e.g. dizziness or tiredness) with age-related complaints.
Pregnant women are also at increased risk, as the fetus reacts more sensitively to a lack of oxygen. CO poisoning can lead to severe developmental disorders or even death of the fetus.
Pets, especially birds, also react more quickly to CO poisoning as their breathing rate is higher and they have a smaller body, which increases the risk of life-threatening poisoning. In addition, they are unable to communicate the symptoms of poisoning, making early detection difficult.
Solution: Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning using the air-Q as a CO detector
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the use of smart air quality measuring devices such as the air-Q is recommended. This device monitors the composition of the air indoors and issues an early warning in the event of increased CO levels. In this way, dangerous situations can be avoided and countermeasures initiated in good time to protect the health of the occupants.
The air-Q: what is it?
The air-Q is a state-of-the-art air measuring device that monitors up to 15 different parameters in real time, including carbon monoxide (CO), particulatestemperature and humidity. With its precise sensors, the air-Q continuously provides up-to-date data on indoor air quality. You are informed of critical CO values and other dangerous air parameters by various alarm functions: An LED warning light visually signals acute dangers, while push messages, emails and audible alerts allow you to react quickly. In addition, the air-Q offers a mobile app connection that allows you to conveniently monitor your air quality from your smartphone. Compared to conventional CO detectors, which often only react to CO and have a limited range of functions, the air-Q offers comprehensive air quality monitoring and a user-friendly way to react to changes at an early stage.
How does the air-Q function as a carbon monoxide detector?
The air-Q supports you in various ways in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Real-time monitoring: The air-Q continuously measures the air quality and immediately detects increased carbon monoxide levels. This enables you to identify dangerous concentrations at an early stage and take action.
- Alarm functions: If set CO limit values are exceeded, the air-Q activates various alarm functions. You receive visual (LED warning lights) and acoustic warnings as well as notifications via push messages and e-mails. This allows you to react immediately, even if you are not in the same room.
- Mobile access & smart home: In addition to its monitoring and alarm functions, the air-Q is also smart home compatible. This means that it can be integrated into existing smart home systems to provide comprehensive control of indoor air quality. You can configure the air monitor to automatically activate ventilation systems or your air purifier when it detects elevated levels of carbon monoxide or other pollutants in the air.
- Comprehensive air quality analysis: In addition to carbon monoxide, the air-Q also monitors other pollutants and parameters that affect air quality. This allows you to take a holistic view of the indoor air and helps to minimize other health risks.
- Preventive measures: By providing information on air quality, the air-Q helps you to ensure optimum air quality. This allows you to ventilate or check heating appliances based on data before dangerous situations arise.
Prevention tips: How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Regular maintenance of heating appliances: Have heaters, stoves and fireplaces regularly checked and maintained by specialists.
- Installation of CO detectors: Install a carbon monoxide alarm such as the air-Q near bedrooms as well as near heating appliances.
- Safe use of gas appliances: Only use gas appliances in well-ventilated areas and keep them clean and in good working order.
- Avoid vehicle exhaust fumes: Never leave cars running in closed garages - not even for a short time.
- Ensure regular ventilation: Ensure sufficient ventilation indoors, especially when using fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or barbecues, and ventilate as needed. Ensure that stale room air is replaced by fresh air, e.g. by cross and shock ventilation instead of opening windows. An air meter will reliably show you when it is time to ventilate. In our separate articles, you can find out how proper ventilation works in the fall and winter and when you should start ventilating.
- Using heaters outdoors: Never use portable heaters or barbecues indoors or in tents.
- Watch out for symptoms: Be alert and check for signs of CO poisoning such as headaches, dizziness or nausea. If these occur, you should seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
We recommend monitoring CO levels indoors to ensure the health and safety of occupants. A sudden increase in carbon monoxide levels can lead to serious health consequences that often go unnoticed until it is too late. It is therefore advisable to use a reliable air monitoring device such as the air-Q. This device provides continuous real-time monitoring of CO levels and alerts you to dangerous concentrations so that immediate action can be taken. In addition, integration into smart home systems enables automatic control of ventilation systems and air purifiers, proactively improving air quality. By investing in such a monitoring device, you can not only minimize the risks of gas poisoning, but also significantly increase the general well-being and safety of all residents.
