Underreported and fatal carbon monoxide poisoning in truck drivers is a problem. There are many dangers associated with trucking across the country, and carbon monoxide poisoning is one of them.
Carbon monoxide gas: what is it?
When certain materials are burned, a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide (CO) is created. Because it cannot be seen or smelled and can result in major health issues or even death, it is frequently referred to as the “silent killer.” CO poisoning can occur suddenly and with no prior symptoms.
The gas known as carbon monoxide, or CO, has no flavor or scent and is colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide exposure kills thousands of American employees every year, making it one of the most dangerous and pervasive industrial dangers. More people die from carbon monoxide poisoning than any other toxin, with the exception of alcohol. Another 10,000 employees, at least, are affected negatively by high-level exposure. Many more people are exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide over an extended period of time, with unknown effects.
CO poisoning can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and confusion. High CO concentrations can result in unconsciousness and death. Get some fresh air as soon as you suspect you’ve been exposed to CO, then dial 911 or your local poison control center.
Why is CO poisoning a concern for truck drivers?
As if truck drivers don’t worry about enough enough. Several reports of truck drivers getting CO poisoning from their semi-trucks have surfaced recently.
For instance, an Ohio truck driver who became unwell and was reportedly suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning was transported to the hospital by a nearby trucking business. Deputies were called to the Millis Transfer Inc. trucking company, the complaint claims. Emergency personnel reported that the driver claimed there was an exhaust leak in his truck that he was unaware of and that he had been feeling sick after a long journey.
How about the incident when a Canadian truck driver called Bruce Kidd was discovered dead in his cab a week after an excessive amount of carbon monoxide was produced inside the truck by his propane heater. According to news accounts, Kidd likely switched on the propane heater while it was nearly freezing outside.
In the winter, many drivers carry heaters to melt ice, stay warm, etc., and this poses a risk similar to that of campers because carbon monoxide poisoning is more hazardous in enclosed spaces. However, technical flaws that could arise from malfunctioning exhaust systems on the trucks can also result in carbon monoxide emissions. Although carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from diesel fuel combustion engines are far lower than those from gasoline engines, these emissions could still release enough deadly gas to kill or cause neurological damage.
The main reason for carbon monoxide emissions into the cab is incomplete or subpar exhaust system maintenance.
In the truck cab, CO levels can increase in a number of ways to deadly levels. Through the engine exhaust system is one method. Carbon monoxide emissions may seep into the cab if the truck’s engine is an older type or if it is not properly maintained.
Long periods of engine idling are another way truck drivers might be exposed to carbon monoxide. When the driver is taking a break or sleeping in the taxi, this frequently occurs. In the event that the exhaust system has a hole or break, carbon monoxide could accumulate inside the cab. If they are not properly vented, small heaters used in cabs might result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
When they are pumping fuel, truck drivers may also be exposed to carbon monoxide fumes. The motorist may breathe in carbon monoxide emissions that have accumulated in the vicinity if the gas pump is not vented properly.
At medium or high doses of carbon monoxide poisoning, brain damage can happen.
Breathlessness, moderate nausea, and mild headaches are typical signs of low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of neurological damage include dizziness, lightheadedness, disorientation, drowsiness, fast breathing or heartbeat, vision issues, chest pain, convulsions, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Neurological damage can also be noticed at modest levels of CO exposure. Inhaling a lot of CO can make you lose consciousness and kill you in a matter of minutes. At medium or high doses of carbon monoxide poisoning, brain damage can happen.
For under $13, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exposure to CO can be prevented with a carbon monoxide detector installed in the truck’s cab. Maintaining their vehicles on a regular basis is another strategy for truck drivers to avoid poisoning. There might be large quantities of carbon monoxide in the cab when garages or company maintenance teams don’t execute proper maintenance. Call us if you or a loved one experienced carbon monoxide poisoning; we’d love to hear from you.
How can carbon monoxide poisoning be detected?
The most typical test for carbon monoxide poisoning is a blood test. You can do this in a hospital or at your doctor’s office. The level of CO in your blood can be determined through a blood test.
A breath test can also be used to identify CO poisoning. This examination determines the level of CO in your breath.
A skin test may occasionally be used to identify CO poisoning. You must apply a particular gel to your skin for this test. If you have been exposed to CO, the gel’s color will change.
Call 911, get some fresh air, and go to the hospital if you believe you have been exposed to CO.
What is the remedy for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Treatment for CO poisoning may involve oxygen therapy. Through a mask or a tube, pure oxygen is inhaled in this situation. Oxygen treatment can help you feel better and lower the level of CO in your blood.
You might need to receive treatment in a hyperbaric chamber in specific circumstances. This particular space aids in raising the blood’s oxygen content. People who have severe CO poisoning or who are not responding to oxygen therapy may benefit from hyperbaric treatment.
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