Carbon Monoxide Poisoning . "The Silent Killer" .

Abstract

Carbon monoxide has been described as a “silent killer” as it does not smell or have any taste or color.Carbon monoxide toxicity is also something that should be considered in workplace or industrial deaths where machinery is operating in confined or poorly-ventilated spaces. For example, carbon monoxide toxicity was responsible for one third of deaths in a study of 523 fatal occupational inhalations in the United States . Mining had the highest fatality rate followed by firefighting . Carbon monoxide toxicity continues to account for a significant number of deaths that present for medicolegal evaluation in most countries. (1) Department of Health in UK in 2011 reporting that over 50 people die annually due to CO poisoning in England and Wales with an estimated 200 people requiring hospital admission.(2) In line with the literature of the delayed onset of neurological symptoms following CO poisoning, the patient in our case experienced an abrupt development of neurological impairment about two weeks after being exposed to CO poisoning. Close monitoring of individuals with obstructive lung disease risk factors while they get medical care for carbon monoxide poisoning is recommended .In line with the literature of the delayed onset of neurological symptoms following CO poisoning, the patient in our case experienced an abrupt development of neurological impairment about two weeks after being exposed to CO poisoning.close monitoring of individuals with obstructive lung disease risk factors while they get medical care for carbon monoxide poisoning is recommended .