CO Effects
Carbon Monoxide Effects
Contrary to what many publications would have you believe, there is growing evidence that lingering problems from carbon monoxide poisoning has very real and sometimes long-lasting effects on the body. This may occur even at relatively low levels of exposure.
The following chart lists the symptoms and percentage of respondents who demonstrated those symptoms. Unfortunately the study did not track the exact levels of exposure, other than calling them acute.
Symptoms |
Number (%) |
Psychological |
|
Apathy | 86 (100) |
Disorientation | 86 (100) |
Amnesia | 86 (100) |
Hypokinesia | 82 (95) |
Mutism | 82 (95) |
Irritability, distractibility | 78 (91) |
Apraxia | 65 (76) |
Bizarre Behaviors – inapproriate smiles or frowning | 60 (70) |
Mannersitic Behavior | 35 (41) |
Irrational Confabulatory Talking | 26 (30) |
Insomnia | 16 (19) |
Depressed Mood | 13 (15) |
Delusions | 10 (12) |
Echolalia | 2 (2) |
Elated Mood | 2 (2) |
From: Min, S.K. et al., Acta Psychiatr. Scand., 73, 80-86, 1986.
(Most of the patients in this study were exposed to CO acutely)
The carbon monoxide facts page lists the CO concentration limits recommended by various agencies.