![]() The information was collected at the data form, about sociodemographic features of the children with acute CO poisoning. Another purpose was to determine if the instructive assistance given to the families after the poisoning, in order to prevent recurrent poisoning, was effective. The purpose of our study was to determine the environmental conditions and principle causes of acute CO poisoning in children who were admitted to a pediatric clinic in Ankara, Turkey and to examine the status of acute CO poisoning under regional conditions, as a basis for preventive policies. The most common symptoms on admission are vomiting and altered mental status the most common sign is impaired mental state ( 2, 6, 8). When ventilation is poor and oxygen is inadequate, CO accumulates in the environment.Įarly symptoms of CO poisoning are usually nonspecific, and nearly all organ systems can be effected ( 2). A defective device or defective installation can lead to leakage or partial combustion of gases during operation of the heater. The gases used for water heaters are liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas. The heating systems used in houses in Turkey are stoves (natural gas stove included) (57.1%), central heating (37%), air conditioners, electric heaters and other systems (5.9%) ( 7). In Turkey, the source of carbon monoxide was the inhalation of fumes from coal ovens and gas heaters in bathrooms ( 4, 5). Sources of CO that cause poisoning are fires with other toxic gases, incomplete combustion of organic fuels in poorly ventilated places, mines, and exhaust gas from cars in closed places like garages ( 1, 2). ![]() Children are a high-risk group because they are less likely to be able to take preventive action and they have higher oxygen requirements because of their higher metabolic rates ( 2, 4, 5, 6). The mechanism of CO toxicity predominantly relates to tissue hypoxia ( 1, 2, 3). Carbon monoxide is an insidious poison that has no color, odor, or taste. Education about prevention should be provided to all people who are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning before a poisoning incident occurs.Ĭarbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading causes of childhood unintentional poisonings, and is a global public health problem ( 1, 2, 3). This study determined that children with acute childhood carbon monoxide poisoning are usually from families with low socioeconomic and education levels. When families were called for re-evaluation, it was determined that most of them had taken the necessary precautions after the poisoning incident (86.3%). Median carboxyhemoglobin levels at admission to the hospital and discharge were measured as 19.5% and 1.1% ( P < 0.001). The most frequent symptoms of poisoning were headache and vertigo (58.8%). Three or more people were poisoned at home in 85.1% of the cases. The source of the acute carbon monoxide poisoning was stoves in 71.2% of cases and hot-water heaters in 28.8% of cases. All families had low income and 48.8% did not have formal housing. Education levels were low in 86.2% of mothers and 52.6% of fathers. The ages of the cases were between one month and 16 yr. One month later, the parents were questioned during a control examination regarding the precautions that they took. When the patient was discharged, necessary preventive measures to be taken were explained to parents. Sociodemographic features, complaints and laboratory data were recorded. Eighty children hospitalized with acute carbon monoxide poisoning were recruited prospectively over a period of 12 months. Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 80 or to learn how to reduce your risk for CO poisoning.The purpose of the study was to define characteristics of children with acute carbon monoxide poisoning.Replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Make sure it's a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector. Install a carbon monoxide detector that meets Underwriters' Laboratories (UC) standards.Have your car exhaust inspected regularly.Make sure you know how to use these appliances in a way that helps prevent CO poisoning. Newly installed heaters must be vented according to the manufacturer's specifications. This includes furnaces, water heaters, and ovens. Have all fuel-burning appliances checked by a professional at the start of every cold-weather season. ![]() Don't use portable heaters, stoves, grills, or gasoline engines (cars, generators) in poorly ventilated areas. This includes rooms and outdoor areas with wood or gas fireplaces, fire pits, and stoves.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |