Carbon Monoxide Awareness

It was recently passed in the state of Ohio, that April is Powerboat Safety Awareness Month with an emphasis on carbon monoxide education. Referred to as the "silent killer", carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, & colorless poisonous gas that is a natural byproduct of burning fuels, like gasoline, propane, wood & charcoal. Carbon monoxide develops when fuels are not completely burned. Where there is burning fuel, there is carbon monoxide.

How carbon monoxide affects the body

Carbon monoxide affects cell metabolism by depriving the body's cells of oxygen. When carbon monoxide is breathed in, hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues, is converted to carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). COHb not only diminishes the ability of the blood to carry necessary oxygen to the body's tissues, but also prevents it from releasing what oxygen there is left. All organs of the body are affected, but those that require the most oxygen like the brain & heart, are most vulnerable. Additionally, there are also factors that will increase an individual's risk of fatality, such as CO concentration, length of exposure, age, pregnancy, preexisting health conditions, & activity level.

Signs Of Carbon Monoxide exposure

• headache

• weakness

• nausea or vomiting

• dizziness

• shortness of breath or chest pain

• confusion

• blurred vision

• sleepiness

• loss of muscle control

• loss of consciousness

• brain damage

• death

• Carbon monoxide poisoning is often mistaken for sea sickness or intoxication.

If somebody has been exposed to carbon monoxide, it is essential that they get to fresh air immediately & seek medical care!

Chris & Owen

On June 23rd, 2021, Chris & Owen were assisting a family with moving their boat along the shores of Lake Erie. While underway, there was an unfortunate event involving a carbon monoxide leak. Chris, Owen, & the owner of the boat all passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Owen, who was located on the transom seating, had a blood carboxyhemoglobin level of 48% (give or take 4%), and Chris, who collapsed between the cockpit & the aft deck, had a blood carboxyhemoglobin level greater than 50%. Anything greater than 40% is considered severe exposure.