Photo of carbon monoxide warning with skull and crossbones with words "carbon monoxide toxicity"
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Carbon Monoxide Toxicity: causes; signs & Symptoms; Treatment; and prevention (according to a scuba instructor)

ByJason Botticelli Hours

Most of us are familiar that we need to be concerned with carbon monoxide in our homes, hence the carbon monoxide detectors we should all have. But did you know that as scuba divers we also need to be concerned with carbon monoxide? Below we will discuss what carbon monoxide toxicity is, its causes, how to treat someone that has it and how to prevent getting it.

Photo of a diagram of a house with indications for carbon monoxide and smoke detector locations.
Us divers need to be aware of carbon monoxide in more than just our homes. (Photo courtesy of rossvalleyfire.org)

What is Carbon Monoxide Toxicity

Let’s first start with what is carbon monoxide (CO). It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed by incomplete combustion. So your car produces carbon monoxide through its use of gas and your home furnace produces carbon monoxide through its use of natural gas (why we need those home detectors).

Photo of home heating furnace.
Our home furnaces produce carbon monoxide through its use of natural gas.

Carbon monoxide toxicity is a risk or condition that results from breathing air contaminated with carbon monoxide. But what makes carbon monoxide so dangerous? So it’s the hemoglobin in our red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout our bodies. Carbon monoxide blocks the oxygen and joins itself to the hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, and now the oxygen deprived cells begin to die.

Diagram of carbon monoxide molecule binding with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin.
Carbon monoxide blocks oxygen and binds with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin.

Causes

By now you must be wondering how in the world can a scuba diver get carbon monoxide toxicity. Well there are two main ways. The first way is through an air tank that is contaminated with carbon monoxide. This happens when the air intake on an air compressor is too close to the compressor’s exhaust port and the intake is sucking in exhaust fumes.

Photo of scuba tank air filling station.
If an air compressor’s intake port is too close to its exhaust port, your tank may be contaminated with carbon monoxide.

While carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, tanks contaminated with carbon monoxide may taste and smell oily and foul. If you suspect you have a contaminated tank, do not dive, or, if already diving, end your dive immediately. Then, as soon as you can, notify the place that you got the air fill from of the situation, so they do not sell any further potentially contaminated tanks.

Phot of man making face do to bad taste.
The air in a scuba tank contaminated with carbon monoxide may have an oily and foul taste and smell.

The second way a diver can get carbon monoxide toxicity is through smoking. This one shouldn’t come as a big surprise as we all know there are many harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide. In fact the exhaled breath of a smoker can contain more carbon monoxide than the US Navy allows in its compressed air.

Photo of woman lighting a cigarette.
Cigarette smoke contains many harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide.

Signs And Symptoms

Signs of carbon monoxide toxicity include red lips and/or nail beds. Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, confusion, headache and unconsciousness.

Photo of woman rubbing her temples.
Headache, dizziness and confusion are all common symptoms of carbon monoxide toxicity.

Treatment

If you think you may have carbon monoxide toxicity, you are going to end your dive immediately. once back on the boat or land, start 100% oxygen and get to a healthcare treatment facility, where you may have to go into a hyperbaric chamber.

Photo of hyperbaric chambers.
A diver with carbon monoxide toxicity may need to be treated in a hyperbaric chamber.

Prevention

To prevent carbon monoxide toxicity through smoking the answer is simple, stop smoking. I know, I know, easier said than done, but there are many good things, other than not getting carbon monoxide toxicity, that can come from not smoking…and your body will thank you.

photo of no smoking sign, cigarette with red circle and slash through it.
Smoking and scuba diving is not a good mix.

To prevent carbon monoxide toxicity through contaminated scuba tanks, make sure to get air fills from only good reputable companies. So maybe pass on the sketchy looking guy filling tanks at the shed by the pier.

Photo of scuba tank filling whips.
To avoid tanks contaminated with carbon monoxide, make sure to get your air fills from a reputable source.

Wrapping Things Up

So there you have it. Carbon monoxide is not just a thing to be concerned about at home. Be vigilant with who is doing your air fills and if you smoke, cut down, or better yet, stop. Now that you know that carbon monoxide is an issue for us divers, you can be on the look out for contaminated tanks and signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide toxicity. And as that old 80s toy tagline used to say, “knowing is half the battle.”

photo of black background with words "knowing is half the battle."
And now you know! (Photo courtesy of medium.com)

If You’re Looking For other Scuba Diving Tips, Check Out The Below.

“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay

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