Carbon monoxide is an odourless,
colourless, non-irritating gas that is produced by the incomplete
combustion of carbon fuels. Common sources of carbon monoxide are
unventilated kerosene, gasoline engines, automobile exhaust, or fumes
from generators.
When you breathe in
too much carbon monoxide, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. Without
oxygen, cells throughout the body die, and the organs stop working.
Among
all the potential sources of carbon monoxide, the most common in our
country today are the fumes of generators. Inhalation of the fumes
emitted by our generators may be long-term hazards or even result in
death.
Reports of death through
generator-related accidents have, indeed, become more common in Nigeria
due to the epileptic power supply by the Power Holding Company of
Nigeria.
Many people have had to rely
on generators of different kinds, with all the dire implications. In
some cases, an entire family has been wiped out as a result of inhaling
dangerous fumes from their generators.
A
few years ago, I remember the story of a tragedy that left seven family
members dead. Mr. Samuel Udeh lost his pregnant wife, their five
children aged between one and 10 years, and a ward to exhaust fumes from
generator.
Continue reading after the cut....
I also remember another
newspaper report about a place called Urum in Awka North Local
Government Area of Anambra State where four persons, including a
95-year-old man, died in their rooms as a result of suspected fumes from
a generator. Most of the deaths recorded were as a result of unsafe
generator use in badly ventilated environments.
Like earlier reiterated, the great danger with this gas called carbon monoxide is that you cannot see, smell, or taste it.
Early
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness and
nausea. As carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, symptoms get worse
and may include confusion and drowsiness, increased respiratory rate,
increased heart rate or chest pain, vision problems and seizures.
Pets also affected
It
is also quite interesting to note that carbon monoxide toxicity is not
limited to humans. Pets can also be affected if your generator is close
to where the pet house is.
The warning
signs of carbon monoxide in your pets include drowsiness, lethargy,
weakness in coordination, bright red colour to skin and gums, dyspnoea
(trouble breathing), coma, abrupt death and, occasionally, chronic
(low-grade, long-term) exposure may cause exercise intolerance, changes
in gait (walking) and disturbances of normal reflexes.
If
you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in your pet, it may be an early
indicator that your environment contains these deadly fumes, and you and
your family may be at risk.
If you
suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in your pet, please see your
veterinarian and remember, this is a warning sign that you and your
family are at risk. Pets and small children are always the first to be
affected.
The only antidote to the
poison is oxygen therapy, which allows the body to get rid of the gas.
First aid, followed by immediate medical care, may save your pet’s life.
Remove
your pet from the source of the carbon monoxide, get him into the fresh
outside air. When only a small amount of blood has been contaminated
(less than 10 percent), pets recover simply by breathing clean air. Most
of the time, affected dogs and cats may act sleepy and drowsy, but they
remain conscious and return to normal within a day.
A
blood gas level of 25 percent carbon monoxide is potentially deadly.
Pets often lose consciousness or stop breathing. Pets that stop
breathing need oxygenated air immediately.
If
your pet displays any of these symptoms, or you suspect carbon monoxide
toxicity, please consult your veterinary doctor immediately.
To
prevent exposure to this deadly gas in humans and in pets, please
ensure that you put the generators outside and away from a window. Never
use generators indoors, or in any area where ventilation is limited and
people or animals are present.
Your generator should be far away from your windows or doors.
In
conclusion, I implore every relevant agency to please enlighten the
general public on the danger of using generators, and how they can be
safely used. They should also be orientated on the likely causes, signs
and symptoms of carbon monoxide toxicity.
- Olufemi Oboye/Punch
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