Hyperbaric-Oxygen Therapy for Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide appears to be the leading cause of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide.¹ A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of any carbon-containing fuel. Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning requires public education on the safe operation of appliances, heaters, fireplaces, and internal-combustion engines, as well as increased emphasis on the installation of carbon monoxide alarms.¹ Despite the ubiquitous presence of carbon monoxide in our environment, its known threat to public health, and more than a century of scientific investigation, the mechanisms of injury and methods of treating carbon monoxide poisoning are . . .