Occupational carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) occupational poisoning is a dangerous work-related disease that often goes unnoticed. Even a small amount of CO in the air can make workers sick and affect their overall health. From early symptoms such as headaches and nausea to severe consequences like death, occupational CO poisoning is a constant threat to those working in environments containing CO.

1. What is occupational carbon monoxide poisoning?

Occupational carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused by exposure to CO during work activities.

CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas and is a product of fuel combustion in environments with insufficient oxygen. High levels of CO in the air reduce the efficiency of respiration, preventing the body from absorbing sufficient oxygen, leading to severe tissue damage and potential fatality.

Symptoms vary depending on severity, exposure duration, CO concentration, and individual sensitivity, primarily manifesting as central nervous system damage.

2. Occupations at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Some high-risk occupations include:

• Working in factories with boilers (wood, coal, fuel oil, etc.) and kilns.
• Work in tunnels, oil, and chemical industries.
• Welders, boiler repair technicians, etc.
• Metallurgy, casting, furnace operation, etc.
• Transportation, automotive, and motorcycle repair workshops.
• Firefighters during firefighting operations.
• Employees working in power plants.
• Other occupations with CO exposure.

Additionally, home users of stoves and fuel-burning devices may also be at risk if ventilation is inadequate or equipment is used improperly. Understanding CO risks in both workplaces and daily life is essential for prevention.

3. Mechanism and causes of carbon monoxide poisoning

CO poisoning is common and highly fatal. Diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific clinical symptoms. CO impairs oxygen transport because CO molecules bind tightly to hemoglobin, occupying the oxygen-binding sites, preventing oxygen delivery to tissues.

CO poisoning is most frequent in winter in cold climates but can occur in all seasons. Inhalation usually happens accidentally and unexpectedly, complicating source identification if the patient loses consciousness.

CO rapidly diffuses through alveoli and pulmonary capillary membranes into the blood, binding to heme iron with an affinity 240 times higher than oxygen, forming a stable bond that prevents oxygen from binding.

4. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Symptoms vary based on exposure level and duration but are often nonspecific. Common symptoms include:

• Headache: the most common symptom, occurring when CO concentration exceeds allowable exposure limits.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness and blurred vision due to CO affecting the nervous system.
• Prolonged exposure can cause shortness of breath as CO displaces oxygen in the blood.
• In severe cases, especially when sleeping or intoxicated, CO poisoning can lead to coma, respiratory arrest, and death without proper first aid.

If CO poisoning is suspected, workers should immediately leave the area and seek medical attention.

5. Hazards of occupational carbon monoxide poisoning

Occupational CO poisoning can cause:

• Reduced oxygen transport to the brain, causing headaches, dizziness, imbalance, memory loss, and in severe cases, coma or death.
• Reduced oxygen to the heart, causing arrhythmias, chest pain, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal strokes.
• Respiratory failure due to CO replacing oxygen in the blood.
• Gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Long-term visual impairment due to prolonged CO exposure.

Preventing CO poisoning is crucial to protect worker health and life.

6. Protective equipment to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

To prevent occupational CO poisoning, workers should use appropriate protective equipment:

• CO gas masks designed to prevent inhalation of CO, essential in chemical and coal industries.
• If CO gas masks are unsuitable, respiratory masks with filtration can reduce exposure risk.
• Protective clothing to minimize contact with contaminants.
• Safety goggles to protect eyes from CO and other toxic substances.
• Gloves and protective shoes to safeguard hands and feet.

Proper training on the correct use of protective equipment ensures effectiveness and safety.

Explore the Occupational CO Poisoning Risk Assessment Tool for detailed evaluation and safety recommendations, helping managers and workers understand and mitigate CO hazards.

7. Compensation for workers with carbon monoxide poisoning

In Vietnam, workers suffering from CO poisoning are entitled to compensation under the Social Insurance Law:

• Health insurance coverage for treatment and medical care.
• Social insurance benefits as per the law.
• Employers must compensate if unsafe materials, tools, or equipment caused the disease.
• Workers undergo occupational disease assessment to claim insurance and support benefits.

However, proving causation can be challenging, making prevention through protective equipment and safety compliance the most effective approach.

8. Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning

Rapid treatment includes:

• Immediately removing the patient from the CO source and taking them to the nearest hospital. If breathing is weak or absent, perform mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose resuscitation.
• In severe cases, hospital treatment under medical supervision is required.

Follow-up care is needed to prevent complications and recurrence. Prevention measures include improving the workplace environment and using protective equipment.

9. Prevention of occupational carbon monoxide poisoning

Preventive measures include:

• Ensure ventilation systems and windows to remove CO and other harmful gases.
• Use safety devices such as CO sensors, filters, masks, and protective clothing.
• Regularly inspect safety equipment and ventilation systems.
• Train employees on safe equipment use and CO poisoning prevention.
• Monitor CO levels and take corrective actions.
• Regular health check-ups for workers in high-risk environments.

10. Employer responsibilities in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

Employer responsibilities include:

• Provide information on CO hazards.
• Provide personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, clothing, goggles).
• Implement preventive measures, such as ventilation improvement and workspace cleanliness.
• Organize periodic health checks to detect CO poisoning symptoms early.
• Educate staff on health and safety regulations.
• Conduct workplace environmental monitoring and report results regularly to improve workplace safety.

11. National workplace environmental monitoring center

Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses advanced equipment ensuring accurate and reliable results.

REGISTER WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

The center also assists clients in planning, managing, and monitoring workplace environmental issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and optimal solutions.

12. Workplace environmental monitoring service pricing

Nam Viet provides detailed and reasonably priced service pricing for professional and efficient workplace environmental monitoring.

• Pricing details include travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs.
• Competitive, fair pricing and professional consultation are guaranteed.
• Clients can select packages that best fit their needs with assurance of professional quality and satisfaction.