What to know about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide, which is invisible and without odor, can be fatal. This can kill people at home while they are sleeping, infiltrating generators not detected. It can accumulate within the walls of closed garages, making cars which are left during execution by residents in search of heat or power in a storm.

On Thursday, another death by involuntary carbon monoxide intoxication was confirmed. Miller Gardner, the 14 -year -old son of the longtime player of the Yankees, Brett Gardner, died of a carbon monoxide poisoning during his vacation with his family in Costa Rica. The authorities said that contamination by machines near their room in their complex could have been responsible.

Although it is avoidable, poisoning with carbon monoxide is a main cause of death linked to poisoning in the United States.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Breathing in carbon monoxide leads to the construction of gas in the blood and binds to hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells which is responsible for the transport of oxygen of the lungs with tissues of the rest of the body.

When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it “launches oxygen” from the protein and prevents tissues and organs from obtaining the oxygen they need to function properly, said Dr. Jason Rose, head of pulmonary medicine, intensive care and sleep at the University of Maryland’s University School.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can also lead to inflammation and cellular damage to important organs, namely the heart and the brain, said Dr. Anthony Pizon, chief of medical toxicology at the Pittsburgh University, who said that he generally treats some patients with carbon monoxide poisoning each month.