Carbon Monoxide Myths

 

Carbon Monoxide Effects

Contrary to what most publications would have you believe, there is growing evidence that acute carbon monoxide poisoning has very real and sometimes long-lasting effects on the body.  This may occur even at relatively low levels of exposure.

 

Symptoms
Number (%)

Psychological

of Patients
Apathy
86 (100)
Disorientation
86 (100)
Amnesia
86 (100)
Hypokinesia
82 (95)
Mutism
82 (95)
Irritability, distractibility
78 (91)
Apraxia
65 (76)
Bizarre Behaviors - 
           
 inapproriate smiles or frowning
60 (70)
Mannersitic Behavior
35 (41)
Irrational Confabulatory Talking
26 (30)
Insomnia
16 (19)
Depressed Mood
13 (15)
Delusions
10 (12)
Echolalia
2 (2)
Elated Mood
2 (2)

From: Min, S.K. et al., Acta Psychiatr. Scand., 73, 80-86, 1986.
(Most of the patients in this study were exposed to CO acutely)