The relatively high proportion of carbon monoxide in producer-gas is objectionable from a hygienic standpoint, so much so, indeed, that it has attracted the attention of manufacturers. Carbon monoxide, the specific gravity of which is 0.967, is a gas peculiarly poisonous and dangerous. It cannot be breathed without baneful effects, and is even more dangerous than carbonic-acid gas, which eventually causes asphyxiation by reducing the quantity of oxygen in the air. For this reason, it is necessary to take the utmost precaution in efficiently and continuously ventilating the rooms in which the gas-generators and their accessories are installed. This suggestion should be followed, above all, when the apparatus
in question are installed in cellars and basements. As a further precaution, where the plant is rather large a workman should not be allowed to enter the generator room alone.
Blowing-generators, or those in which the gas is produced under pressure, are more dangerous than suction-generators. In the former a leaky joint may cause the vitiation of the surrounding air as the producer-gas escapes; in the suction apparatus the same fault simply causes more air to be drawn in.
Dr. Melotte recommends the following procedure in cases of carbon monoxide asphyxiation:
Carbon Monoxide Asphyxiation
Cases of poisoning by carbon monoxide are both frequent and dangerous. The gas is extremely poisonous, and all the more dangerous because it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. When it comes into contact with the blood, it forms a combination so stable that it is reacted upon by the oxygen of the air only with difficulty. It follows, therefore, that with each respiration of air charged with carbon monoxide, a certain quantity of blood is poisoned. In consequence of this, there is a possibility of poisoning in open air.
Symptoms.—The symptoms observed will vary with the manner in which the blood has been poisoned. There are two ways in which this poisoning can occur. The one depends upon whether the atmosphere contains an excess of carbon monoxide; the other whether the air breathed contains only traces of the gas.
Gradual, Rapid Asphyxiation.—At first a vague sickness is felt, rapidly followed by violent headaches, vertigo, anxiety, oppression, dimness of vision, beating of the pulse at the temples, hallucinations, and an irresistible desire to sleep. If at this stage the patient has a sufficient idea of danger to prompt him to open a window or door, he will escape death.
In the second stage, the victim's legs are paralyzed, but he can still move his arms and his head. The mind still preserves its clearness, and in a measure assists the further process of asphyxiation because of its impotency. Then follow coma and death.