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NOTICE
Boats fueled by diesel have limited carbon
monoxide present in the exhaust in comparison
to gasoline engine exhaust. However, the boat
owner should still be aware of the causes and
effects of carbon monoxide which may occur in
different boating situations.
A. Properties and Characteristics
of Carbon Monoxide
1. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and
tasteless gas. It is commonly referred to as CO.
2. Its weight is about the same as air so it can not be
expected to rise or fall like some other gases, but
will distribute itself throughout the space.
NOTICE
DO NOT rely on the use of smell or sight of
other gases to detect CO, be cause it diffuses
in the air much more rapidly than easily de-
tectable vapors (i.e., visible and aromatic
vapors).
B. What Makes Carbon Monoxide
Any time a material containing carbon burns such
as gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, coal, or wood,
CO is produced.
Common sources of carbon monoxide are:
1. Internal combustion engines such as:
a. Propulsion engines
b. Generators
2. Open flame devices such as:
a. Cooking ranges
b. Central heating plants
c. Space heaters
d. Water heaters
e. Fireplaces
f.
Charcoal grills
C. How a Person is Affected by Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is absorbed by the lungs and reacts
with blood hemoglobin to form carboxyhe moglobin,
which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the
blood. The result is a lack of oxygen for the tissues
Boating Safety - Section B
with the subsequent tissue death and, if exposure is
prolonged, death of the individual.
D. Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide in high concentrations can be fatal
in a matter of minutes. Lower concentrations must not
be ignored because the effects of expo sure to CO are
cumulative and can be just as lethal.
Certain health related problems and age will increase
the effects of CO. People who smoke or are exposed
to high concentrations of cigarette smoke, consume
alcohol or have lung disorders or heart problems, are
particularly susceptible to an increase in the effects
from CO; however, all occupants' health should be
considered. Physical exertion accelerates the rate at
which the blood absorbs CO.
E. Symp toms
One or more of the following symptoms can signal
the adverse effect of CO ac c umulation:
1. Watering and itchy eyes
2. Flushed appear ance
3. Throb bing temples
4. Inatten tiveness
5. Inability to think coherently
6. Loss of physical coordination
7. Ringing in the ears
8. Tightness across the chest
9. Headache
10. Drowsiness
11. Incoherence
12. Slurred speech
13. Nausea
14. Dizziness
15. Fatigue
16. Vomiting
17. Collapse
18. Convulsions
NOTICE
The order of the above list is generally the
se quence of appearance of symptoms. How-
ever, the order of appearance may change for
different people.
NOTICE
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poison-
ing may easily be mistak en for seasickness or
alcohol intake.
Owner's Manual Page 31
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