Thus, if we can reconstruct the ambient air levels and they are at levels that would result in carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels at or above 10%, the absence of an acute blood test may not derail a case.Ĭhronic carbon monoxide poisoning can come from hot water heaters and furnaces when the exhaust is not direct vented or sealed. We also know if the carbon monoxide reaches a significant level, likely something around 10%, that as high as 40% of those poisoned will have permanent neuropsychiatric problems. Almost all adults absorb carbon monoxide at very predictable rates. If human beings breath air contaminated by carbon monoxide, that carbon monoxide will get into the blood stream. No One is Immune to Chronic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While such reconstruction of the ambient air issues are not always possible because of failure to preserve proof, if the ambient air levels can be reconstructed, then it may be possible to prove a case involving substantial economic and pain and suffering damages. Likewise, without a careful diagnostic workup, the impact of these repeat exposures on the brain may be overlooked. Without a detailed evaluation of the time frames, reconstruction of the causes and quantities of carbon monoxide in the inside air, these cases may appear unprovable. This means that the potential for severe permanent brain damage is off missed.
Too often in the case of chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, one or both of these elements are missing. Forensic Challenges in Chronic Carbon Monoxide CasesĬarbon monoxide poisoning cases are built on two primary building blocks: proof of carbon monoxide in the ambient air and proof of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood sample of the survivors. Brain damage likely goes from a 40% probability to nearly 100%. This combination of DNS and acute toxic levels of COHb is guaranteed to have a multiplier impact on the bodies organs. If the chronic carbon monoxide poisoning involves high enough ambient air levels to set off the chain of events of DNS, then the person exposed to chronic carbon monoxide exposure may be experiencing an acute exposure on a day that his or her body is also suffering from the effects of DNS. But in essence, DNS involves a well recognized syndrome that occurs in as much as 40% of those who survive significant CO exposures. Dangers of DNS from Chronic Carbon Monoxide PoisoningĭNS, for Delayed Neurological Sequelae is discussed in depth elsewhere. The results can be far greater than what might have happened in a single carbon monoxide exposure, even with higher ambient air levels. This could go on in varying degrees throughout an entire heating season. While the brain is still vulnerable from a 100 ppm exposure on day one, another 100 ppm exposure may happen on day two. Chronic carbon monoxide poisoning likely involves the same type of risk of permanent brain damage. The concern is that the second and subsequent concussions will be exponentially more severe if the symptoms have not cleared before the subsequent trauma. Now, injured athletes are required to go through return to play protocols, day after day until it is deemed safe for them to return. Since we started working in the field of brain damage in the early 1990’s, we have seen a greatly increased awareness of the dangers of repeated concussions.
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