CO could produced from burning kinds of charcoals, including quick ignite shisha charcoal and all kinds of barbecue charcoal.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas without smell and color. When this gas is present in confined spaces with large amounts, CO will replaces the oxygen in red blood cells, and CO poisoning can be happen and can cause bodily harm.

Carbon monoxide vs. carbon dioxide during charcoal combustion

CO2 can be produced by people breath and producing activity, when exposed to high CO2 space can cause health effects, such as death, dizziness, tiredness, restlessness, tingling in your limbs, sweating, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, coma, etc. In general, when hookah and barbecuing, we do not need to worry about carbon dioxide poisoning, but we need to keep doors and Windows properly ventilated.

CO has no odor, but set a CO detector¹ is a efficient method to alarm yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. In a ventilated space, CO will not be a concern usually. When CO is present in a relatively airtight room with small amounts, it can cause big hazard. When CO is present is outdoor places, we shall be alert of CO poisioning and keep ourselves away from CO origin. when exposed to low CO space can cause feel short of breath, get dizzy, become nauseated, get a headache, etc.

How long does carbon monoxide poisoning take?

If you’re exposed in (limited) space with low level CO , it can take up to 2hs to show symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. At higher levels, the process can take about 5mins.

Who’s at high risk for CO Poisoning when your are enjoying hookah or BBQ?

CO poisoning can affect anyone. However, the harm is higher for certain people, they include: pregnant woman and her fetus, babies, people living at high altitudes, people older than 65, patients (even with colds), people with anemia.

Do it when Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Caution: Carbon monoxide is flammable (include H₂, CO, hydrocarbons), explosive and highly toxic gas((CASE No.630-08-0))

1. Check injuries before moving
2. Move the person away from the CO area
3. Turn off the source of carbon monoxide²
4. Call the police 911
5. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary, know more CPR plese click here³

How long does CO poisoning last?

It may cost one day to let CO leave your body completely after minor co poisoning, but symptoms can last two weeks until it co clears from your body.

1. Pets sometimes more alert than CO detector, it may be the first to show signs of CO poisoning beside you. ↩︎
2. When handling leftover carbon fire, make sure to extinguish it with water or seal it up and keep it in a safe place away from flammable materials ‌ ↩︎
3. CPR knowledge can be learned from American RED CROSS and American Heart Association ↩︎