Abstract

Background: Acute exposure to carbon monoxide could be caused poisoning but in chronic exposure might be caused some symptoms and signs.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the health effects of carbon monoxide in low concentration.

Materials and Methods: It was a cohort study with >10 years follow-up. The people who were employed in different industries were participated in this study. Groups were followed for cardiovascular and neurological symptoms and signs. These groups were exposed to low concentrations of carbon monoxide; according to exposure levels, working sections were divided to five groups: Working section A, working section B, working section C, working section D, and working section E. Carbon monoxide concentrations, symptoms, and signs were determined. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 Analysis of variance, Chi-square, Exact test, and relative risks with considering P < 0.05 as significant level.

Results: Working section B had the most carbon monoxide concentration; 9.01 ± 0.62 part per million. Cardiovascular and neurological symptoms and sign were determined. Chronic fatigue, palpitation of heartbeat, loss of memory, and impaired decision-making were the most in Group B and relative risks were 1.62 (1.07–2.43), 1.60 (1.09–2.33), 1.50 (1.07–2.82), and 1.46 (1.08–2.72).

Conclusions: Carbon monoxide had health effects in low concentration and might be caused, chronic fatigue, palpitation of heartbeat, loss of memory, and impaired decision-making.

Key words: Carbon Monoxide; Concentration; Exposure