The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-10-01
Your Health
Monoxide
Reaches All
Parts of Body

BY HERMAN N. BUNDESEN, NJ. u
THE danger Of carbon mon
oxide poisoning has increased in
late years with the introduction
of illuminating gas for domestic
use, the widespread use Of auto
mobiles, and the development Of
various industries in which carbon
monoxide may be encountered.
There is great difference in the
susceptibility Of different people
to carbon monoxide even under the
same conditions. The chief dam
aging effect is on the circulation
and there is practically no part OF
the body which may not suffer. IL
has been observed that when the
poisoning occurs, there is an in
crease in the number Of red cells in
the blood, as well as in the amount
Of hemoglobin or eoloring matter.
Blood Vessels DilAts
The gas also tends TO cause the
blood vessels TO dilate which may
lead to hemorrhage into various
parts Of the body. II would not ap-
pear that there is any direct effect
on thrSheArt. The blood pressure
tendt5 rise at first ana then TO
drop.
One Of the early symptoms OF
carbon monoxide poisoning IS
headache, which is followed sooner
or later by irritability, fatigue and
general weakness. Headache Is
one of the earliest warning signs
of carbon monoxide poisoning and
whenever persons who are work
ing where they may be exposed to
this gas develop headache, imme-
date precautions should be taken
against any further exposure. The
effect Of the gas on the nervous
system may lead to spasm Of the
muscles and mental disturbances.
Chronic Poisoning
There has been some question
as to whether or not there is such
q thing as chronic or long con-
tinued carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are MANY who believe that
such condition does exist in per-
sons who are exposed to the gas
in small amounts over long periods
of time.
In any event, carbon monoxids
poisoning is extremely dangerous
and every possible step should be
taken to prevent it. OF course, the
best preventive would be to avoid
pollution of the air with carbon
monoxide. This may be accom-
plished by proper engineering
methods and sufficient ventilation
Personal Precautions
Whenever q person must enter
an enclosure where the presence
Of carbon monoxide is suspected,
he should wear q safety line and
open air respirator. During his
stay in the enclosure, he should DO
watched by persons who are fami-
liar with the signs and symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning SO
that, should any develop, he may
be Immediately removed.
Persons suffering from heart
disease, hardened arteries and
similar conditions should be exc
cluded from any work in which
there is any danger Of exposure to
carbon monoxide. The same is true
of persons suffering from lung dis
orders such as tuberculosis. At
tention to these things may save
many lives.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
G. Ri have been annoyed by
a disagreeable odor from my scalp.
/ do not have any dandzuff, but my
hair is quite heavy and oily. What
can / do?
Answer:-It 10 probable that
such odor as is produced on your
scalp Is due to the oil. The condi-
ton is not due to any internal dis
order. / have outlined some sugges-
tons concerning car Of the hair
and scalp which l shall be glad to
send you if you will write again en-
closing a self-addressed, stamped
envelope. Your name will not be
used.