Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a dangerous condition caused by inhaling CO, an odourless, colourless gas that can enter the cockpit through engine exhaust leaks, particularly from defective cabin heater systems. CO binds to haemoglobin approximately 250 times more strongly than oxygen, severely reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

Key Points

• •Symptoms include dull headache, dizziness, nausea, sluggishness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement.
• •CO poisoning causes cherry-red or pink colouration of the lips and skin — not blue (blue lips indicate hypoxia, not CO poisoning).
• •The primary cockpit source of CO is cabin heater systems that use engine exhaust gases for heat.
• •Immediate action: turn off the cabin heater, open fresh air vents, land as soon as practicable, and seek medical attention.
• •CO poisoning can occur at any altitude, whereas hypoxia typically becomes significant above 10,000 ft.

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