Poisonous gases and their effects

The diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning is based on history and examination, in conjunction with an elevated carboxyhaemoglobin level, as determined by venous blood analysis or a fingertip carboxyhaemoglobinExternal Link monitor.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be confused with other more common conditions. This increases the potential that carbon monoxide exposure is not identified by health professionals which may have serious or potentially fatal consequences.

Seek advice from the Victorian Poisons Information CentreExternal Link on 13 11 26. This is a 24/7 service that can assist in diagnosis and management of any suspected case.

Toxic gases that can kill you

There are a lot of discussions about strategies to reduce the number of school shootings in this country. Scottsdale-based Axon — maker of Tasers — have contributed a new idea.

Most common toxic gases

Olumhense is an investigative reporter at The Markup, which is a website focused on covering tech in the public interest. She joined The Show to talk more about Axon's idea.

Most toxicgas

Refer to the Energy Safe Victoria's safety alertExternal Link list for models of open-flued gas heaters that should be checked by a qualified gas fitter immediately.

For more information about diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning - Think carbon monoxide (The Medical Journal of Australia)External Link

Checking for negative room pressureExternal Link should be part of regular gas heater service and testing. This is especially important if you live in a renovated or weather sealed house with an open-flued gas heater. Airflow through clear wall vents or a partially opened window may prevent negative room pressure occurring.

Subscribe nowExternal Link to information including Chief Health Officer alerts and advisories from the Department of Health.

Any gas appliance, gas heater, wood heater or fire-place, equipment or items powered with a gas or petroleum engine, have the potential to leak carbon monoxide, especially if they are used incorrectly or are faulty. This can cause a health risk when they are used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, such as inside the home or in a caravan.

Toxic gases List PDF

Toxicgaslist

Open-fluedExternal Link gas heaters, as well as wood heaters, where air from within the home is drawn in to feed the fire, may increase indoor carbon monoxide levels under certain conditions. Negative room pressureExternal Link can occur when there is inadequate room ventilation in the home and a kitchen rangehood or bathroom exhaust fan is operating. The combination of this occurring at the same time as operating an open-flued gas heater or wood heater, may draw unsafe levels of carbon monoxide into the living area via the heater’s flue/chimney. The risk is increased if the heater is faulty or the flue/chimney is blocked.

Advise the patient to arrange an urgent service and test of their gas appliances by a licensed or registered gas fitter before they are used again. If the incorrect use of a wood heater or other gas/petroleum fuelled appliance or item is suspected, advise the patient to stop its use immediately and refer them to this advisory.

The department has developed a guide Could it be carbon monoxide poisoning? to assist GPs in the diagnosis and management of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Measure carboxyhaemoglobin levels in any case of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning when the patient is first seen, as levels decline over time. Note that carboxyhaemoglobin may be elevated after smoking cigarettes.

Toxicgasexamples

Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to impaired thinking and concentration, emotional lability, irritability and impulsiveness.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a range of symptoms including headache, nausea and vomiting, skin flushing, muscle pain, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, coordination difficulties, confusion, or chest pain. Symptoms can be mistaken for flu-like illness or food poisoning.

Children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, older people and those with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease, are at increased risk of severe health impacts from carbon monoxide poisoning.

In July 2022, Energy Safe Victoria banned the sale and supply of new open flued gas heaters that do not meet new Australian Standards. This Standard requires newly manufactured open flued gas space heaters to shut down within 15 minutes to prevent carbon monoxide spillage if the appliance is operating in a negative pressure environment.

The company has talked about building a Taser drone, which representatives said could to stop shootings in schools and public places, according to reporter Ese Olumhense. She also reports in The Markup that the idea has been controversial — both within Axon and outside of it.