But even if you recover, acute poisoning may result in permanent damage to the parts of your body which require a lot of oxygen, such as the heart and brain. An American Journal of Industrial Medicine article quotes two studies showing that acute CO exposures that were non-lethal to the mother were associated with fetal loss. If you suspect CO, get out of the area and into the open fresh air. Remove anyone overcome by the gas immediately and give the person artificial respiration. Call for a physician and continue the artificial respiration until the doctor arrives or the person recovers.
Prompt action can make the difference between life and death.
Install an effective ventilation system to remove poisonous CO from the area. Provide approved respirators for emergency use. If necessary, provide an independent air supply to workers. Install CO alarms or regularly test air in areas when CO is generated or used. If possible, transfer affected workers to other jobs.