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
of Patients
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.