Historical Overview of Carbon Monoxide

History of Carbon Monoxide

  • "Coal fumes lead to heavy head and death" - First mention of the lethal effects of coal fumes --- Aristotle, Greece, 3rd century B.C.
  • Inhabitants of Nuceria killed by CO suffocation in the bath --- Hannibal, Carthage, 247-183 B.C.
  • Coal fumes were used for suicide and execution --- Cicero, Rome, 106-43 B.C.; suicide of Roman author Seneca, 65 A.D.
  • A combustible gas that burned with a bright blue flame described --- Joseph Priestley, England, 1772
  • First clinical description of coal gas poisoning --- Harmant, France, 1775
  • CO identified as the toxic substance in coal gas --- LeBlanc, France, 1842
  • Shown that CO produces hypoxia by reversible combination with hemoglobin --- Claude Bernard, France, 1857
  • Demonstration that rats survive CO poisoning when placed in oxygen at 2 atmospheres pressure --- John Scott Haldane, England, 1895
  • Polar explorer Richard Byrd nearly loses life as result of chronic CO poisoning --- early 20th century
  • 611 CO-related deaths occur in New York City from use of illuminating gas --- 1927
  • Treatment of CO poisoning with Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) in experimental animals --- End & Long, U.S., 1942
  • First clinical use of HBO therapy in CO poisoning --- Smith & Sharp, 1960
  • International tennis star Vitas Gerulaitus loses life in CO accident involving a pool heater, September 1994
  • Use as euthanasia agent by medical suicide advocate, Jack Kevorkian, M.D. --- 1990s

Note: It has been suggested based on his writings that the famous American author, Edgar Allan Poe, was chronically poisoned by carbon monoxide, probably contained in illuminating gas. Poe died on November 17, 1875, at 32 years of age.


Used with permission from the author David G. Penney, PH.D.

Schedule your Appointment Today  •  (415) 892-3424
Schedule your Appointment Today
(415) 892-3424
 
Contact Information
 
Kelly Plumbing & Heating
   861 Sweetser Ave  •  Novato, CA 94945
  (415) 892-3424
  (415) 892-9901
   Lic #688049
  Hours: Mon - Fri  |  8:00am - 5:00pm
 
For Boiler repair in San Anselmo CA, like us on Facebook!
See what your neighbors think about our Heating service in San Rafael CA on Google Reviews.
Email us any questions about our Furnace repair service in Novato CA.
Email us any questions about our Furnace repair service in Novato CA.
 
View Map of Location
 
Payment Options
 
Financing Options from GreenSky
Finance Your HVAC Project
2521 - 12 Months No Interest, No Payments - (84 Principal Pmts)
2740 - Reduced Rate 9.99% for 120 Months
1599 - Reduced Rate 9.99% for 180 Months
Financing for GreenSky© credit programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or familial status. NMLS #1416362; CT SLC-1416362; NJMT #1501607 C22
For Radiant Heater in San Rafael CA, we accept most major credit cards.
For a Boiler installation or repair estimate in San Rafael CA, call today for a quote!
Sign up for our Boiler maintenace plan in Novato CA to ensure your home stays comfortable.
 
 
Get your Trane Furnace units service done in Novato CA by Kelly Plumbing & Heating
 
Kelly Plumbing & Heating belongs to the Pacific, Gas & Electric.
We specialize in Rinnai tankless water heater installation in Novato CA.
 
Home   |   Email Us   |   Schedule   |   Get a Quote   |   Maintenance   |   Financing   |   Employment   |   Reviews   |   Search
Home   |   Email Us   |   Schedule
Get a Quote   |   Maintenance   |   Financing
Employment   |   Reviews   |   Search