Chronic carbon monoxide exposure

[Dbran4024]

First I would like to apologize for making a 2nd post in the same 2 weeks, however this info will I believe serve our community well... In my post last week (scroll down the list of questions and look for my name), you, the RN who responded mention something - chronic c02 exposure.  Based on what I have researched since, being the usual symptoms are headache, dizziness, and fatigue, the whole list of symptoms match me perfectly.

Currently, I live alone in the attic of a large house and I have a seperate heating and a/c unit from the downstairs.  In the small closet where my heater is located, there is a connection to the garage (I know because I smell my brother's cigarette smoke rising up).  I do not know if this is relevant, but in hindsight, the symptoms I described began very mildly right after I first moved in here 4 years ago, and became much worse back at the end of April right around the first time I used my (seperate) a/c unit for the first time of the summer season.  I live down south, but Im starting to use my heater at nights now and I'm growing of concern for chronic c02. I do have a co2 detector, but I assume that is only for acute exposure levels.  

Basically, the question is, is there a way to detect chronic exposure levels?  Other then to just move out and see if I improve?   What is the general prognosis for someone with my symptoms IF the case is chronic co2 exposure?

[National Jewish]

The exposure referred to is CO, for carbon monoxide, not c02.  If your CO detector is working, you should be able to obtain a series of values and that would give you the answer.  There is a way to obtain a continuous record of exposure levels but that is not necessary.  Just getting an accurate reading at times when you are symptomatic would suffice.

[Dbran4024]

So, I guess professionals would have a detector that is very accurate in assesing the exact level of CO?    I am wondering if there is a "chart" to show at what level it becomes hazardous, and what type of measurement is used.

[LukeL]

Have you considered calling in an expert to examine your attic for subtle levels of toxic gasses that regular detectors will not pick up.

You might even want to call your local fire deaprtment (non 911 of course) and ask them if they have an CO detection equipment and if they could come out and check your room.

[LukeL]

I don't think a CO detector will detect subtle amounts in the air they are mainly for detecting abnroamly high levels which can lead to severe symptoms or death if you don't leave the area.

[Dbran4024]

I guess the big question is - can CO detectors detect low-level amounts which lead to "chronic" exposure  which would be my case... and also would the carboxyhemoglobin blood test show chronic exposure also??    I meant to ask this in the main question, hopefully the doctor responding will read down this far.

[robertin75]

Dear dbran4024:

Just some clarifications:

CO2 is carbon dioxide.

CO is carbon monoxide (gas containing one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom)

Regards,
Roberto

[Dbran4024]

I just got off the phone with a personal friend who is a resident of cardiology at Washington hospital in St. Louis who suggested:    1)  a blood gas test   2)  a carboxyhemoglobin test   3) a lung x-ray   and 4) a pulminary function test

I wonder how I could convince my local doctor of this - he allready thinks I'm borderline obsessive unfortunately.

[Dbran4024]

yes that's what I mean,  i don't know why i said co2.   thanks.