Abstract
BackgroundCarbon monoxide (CO) is formed as a result of the incomplete burning of hydrocarbon-containing fuels such as natural gas, coal, liquid petroleum gas, and wood. CO is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that produces various acute and chronic effects in CO-exposed people. In this study, we aimed to measure CO levels in auto care repairmen with chronic CO-related illnesses using a serial, non-invasive method.A prospective cohort study.MethodsA total of 99 people from six different auto-repair services were included in the study. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were measured at four different times with 2-hour intervals starting at 08:00 AM. Data concerning employees’ ages, working hours, smoking statuses, and types of home heating fuel were collected. A control group of 100 cases was created based on this data. The measurements were done on the control group in the morning with a Masimo Rad-57 CO-oximeter.ResultsThe highest mean (± SD) COHb value was 7.04% ± 3.32% after the third measurement. The mean value for the control group was 1.61% ± 1.43%. A statistically significant difference between the groups was found for each value.DiscussionWe determined that the risk of being affected by CO is high in buildings in which the auto services were located. The effects of chronic or prolonged exposure to low amounts of CO were found to be ambiguous. However, in some studies, it was found that low-grade CO exposure could lead to coronary artery disease and some neurological complications. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful about the health of employees who have been exposed to CO.ConclusionsWe concluded that there is a need for more detailed studies concerning chronic CO poisoning. Also, in workplaces in which there is high exposure to CO, proper workplace safety measures should be taken to reduce this gas’s harmful effects to employees.
Highlights
Carbon monoxide (CO) is formed as a result of the incomplete burning of hydrocarbon-containing fuels such as natural gas, coal, liquid petroleum gas, and wood
The measurements were done at the workplace and were performed in a noninvasive manner with Masimo Rad-57 Oximeter (Masimo Corporation, Irvine), which has an accuracy of 3% according to the manufacturer
Diagnosis of chronic CO poisoning in patients admitted to emergency services is still not easy as the presence of similar clinical presentations cannot be excluded
Summary
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless toxic gas [1, 2] that is produced mainly as a result of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas, coal, liquefied petroleum gas, and wood [1, 3, 4]. While an adult cigarette smoker is exposed to an estimated 400 to 500 ppm of CO during active smoking, automobile exhaust may contain around 100,000 ppm CO as measured inside a closed. Reports on the acute phase of CO gas exposure are prevalent, whereas chronic exposure has rarely been reported. Chronic CO exposure is considered to be more prevalent and much more closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality than previously accepted or assumed [1, 2]. Exposure Time (Minute) exposure to low amounts of CO [7]. Chronic exposure can be an underlying cause of nonspecific complaints such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and asthenia and dizziness in addition to clinical manifestations, including cerebellar dysfunction and acute coronary syndrome [1, 2]
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