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Feature Article: Carbon Monoxide
Is poisoning due to the exhaust fumes resulting from carbon
burning with insufficient oxygen to produce complete oxidation.
The resulting gas has one atom of carbon and one atom of oxygen.
CO is odorless, colorless and cannot be tasted. CO poisoning may
not be distinguished from fatigue or hypoxia except that the occurrence
can occur at any altitude. Engine exhaust in an aircraft has 7%
CO. Very small amounts of CO over a period of time will reduce
a pilot’s ability to fly safely. It is the length of exposure
as well as the amount that makes the critical difference. Susceptibility
to CO poisoning increases with altitude due to the propensity
of CO to enter blood. CO is 200 times more attracted to the blood
hemoglobin as is oxygen. As little as one part CO to 20,000 (.005%)
parts of air is enough to begin the death process of the brain.
Above 10% CO poisoning you will suffer from a headache. Above
20% you will be sleepy and sick to your stomach, HEADACHE, vision
and speech problems. You will be incapacitated above 40% and dead
at 70%. If you get a headache while flying, open the window and
shut off heater.
CO reduces ability of blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms are similar
to hypoxia. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness should initially be
corrected by opening outside air vents. CO has a half-life in
your body of about five hours. It will take a full day to recover.
70% of exhaust system failures result in CO poisoning. CO prevents
the hemoglobin from both carrying and releasing oxygen. Antihistamines,
alcohol, lack of sleep, or blood deficiency will exacerbate CO
poisoning. Prevention of CO poisoning is directly preventable
by proper aircraft maintenance. Club aircraft require extra alertness.
You might suspect CO exists in your cabin air as soon as you smell
some engine exhaust fumes.
Descend
Land ASAP
Use any oxygen
Shut off the heater
Get medical treatment
When in doubt, get on the ground.
Last Modified December 1, ©2025 TAGE.COM
