[TheForge] RE: [TheForge]Carbon Monoxide Detector

Wed May 1 14:55:01 2002

The average life span of a red blood cell (erythrocyte) is 120 days.  =
Repeated low exposure to CO within a short period of time could be =
cumulative to a toxic level.  Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin with =
a 250-times greater affinity than oxygen, so is taken up preferentially =
by red cells even at low concentration.  Incidentally, three hours of =
breathing clean air will reduce the CO level in the blood by half; so if =
you feel any headache, dizziness, and such, get thee into fresh air.  =
However, if you are symptomatic, you may wish to seek medical attention. =
 CO intoxication is usually treated with hyperbaric oxygen, which will =
displace the CO more rapidly.

David Hufford, Ph.D.

-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Rich [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 1:23 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TheForge] [TheForge]Carbon Monoxide Detector was coal vs.
charcoal

While it is cumulative, I seriously doubt that it is a problem for years
after no exposure.  CO bonds to the hemoglobin in your blood in =
preference
to O2, and will never unbond.  However, your blood cells don't live =
longer
than about 200 some days.
			Todd

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