A trip to the bathhouse can end with both cleansing and sudden poisoning of the body. If the steam room is used improperly, carbon monoxide accumulates in it, which threatens the health and even the life of the bath visitors. We will tell you how to deal with this gas further.
How to avoid carbon monoxide
To prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating in the steam room, you must follow simple safety rules. They include several mandatory points:
- at the stage of manufacturing the pipe valve, it is important to provide holes with a diameter of 20 mm. If there is a hole, the cooling of the furnace slows down, and the carbon monoxide evaporates faster;
- after the firewood burns out, pay attention to the coals. Skipping blue lights is a sure sign that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the bath is high. An indicator of gas dissolution is a whitish ash crust that forms on the same coals;
- in order not to miss a dangerous moment, it is recommended to buy a carbon monoxide detector. The gas itself is invisible, and the bath visitors do not always control the state of the coals. The sensor is triggered automatically, and its cost does not exceed 1000 rubles;
- it is necessary to choose safe rocks for the furnace. Some stones give off carbon monoxide and thus contribute to poisoning. Non-toxic options include gray river pebbles. Their size should not be larger than a man's fist;
- Porcelain heater insulators can be used to contain the spread of carbon monoxide. They keep heat well, give good steam and are considered completely environmentally friendly.
How to recognize poisoning
The main problem with carbon monoxide poisoning is subtle symptoms. A person does not always understand what is happening with his body. When this understanding comes, it is too late. There are three stages of poisoning:
- easy: the content of carboxyhemoglobin does not exceed 30%. The person feels dizzy, mildly nauseous, or short of breath. Sometimes the stage is asymptomatic. At this stage, control over the body is completely retained;
- average: the content of carboxyhemoglobin reaches 40%. The person loses consciousness and faints. The duration of fainting is 5 to 20 minutes. Fainting is preceded by obvious symptoms - vomiting, headache, weakness;
- heavy: the content of carboxyhemoglobin is 50-60%. The person falls into a coma (the depth may vary). The main functions of life are impaired, convulsions appear, skin color changes.
The way to help a person who has been poisoned by carbon monoxide depends on his condition. If he remains conscious, then water, tea or coffee should be offered. Coffee will speed up your circulation, which will help you flush out toxins from your blood faster.
If a person is unconscious, you should put him so that he does not choke on vomit or his tongue. After applying a cold compress to the chest, you must immediately call an ambulance.