How can you get poisoned by carbon monoxide?

I was just outside, helping a neighbor push their car out of a rut. I was on the exhaust side, but I don't think I had enough exposure to become ill. I do have a headache, but it could be from stress. Once I smelled the fumes of the exhaust I turned my head and held my breath. I'm sure there isn't any problems. Considering smokers inhale it regularly, and autobody guys do too. And I was outside with fresh air. I'm 99% sure that Im fine, but a little rassurance will put an end to this headache.

Carbon monoxide is a odorless/colorless gas that binds to your red blood cells (the hemoglobin in them), making them unable to bind oxygen. That means your various parts of your body can not get the oxygen it needs. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very vague and often flu like. If you are worried, go to the ER or your doctor's office and have them check you out.

As for smokers, they inhale it but there is a difference between chronic exposure, which some people can adapt to. also, the amount that causes problems when exposed acutely (as in your case) varies from person to person and is influenced by the health of the person.

Bottom line, if you're worried, get checked out by a physician.

You can, only if you are breathing it for a prolonged period of time in an enclosed space.

Your headache was definitely because you inhaled some of the fumes, but you're in no danger because you were outdoors and you got away from the souce.

You fine if CO got to ya you would be in Hosp by now or dead

Exposure to carbon monoxide is most commonly accompanied by the following symptoms:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Flu like symptoms, fatigue
Shortness of breath on exertion
Impaired judgment
Chest pain
Confusion
Depression
Hallucinations
Agitation
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Visual changes
Fainting
Seizure
Memory and walking problems

As you can see, CO poisoning has a lot of symptoms. However, Since you were outside it would be almost impossible for you to get enough CO to have any of these symptoms. I would suggest your headache is from stress and anxiety pushing the car. Relax, you are just fine!

God Bless You :)

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