2. Justification

2.1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Every year in Jordan tens of people found dead because of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (COP).^{1, 2, 3}

“COP is a common occurrence in today’s society, one of the most common poisonings worldwide, and is responsible for more fatalities than other toxic agent.”⁴

COP has a mechanism of action on blood. “Red blood cells pick up Carbon Monoxide (CO) quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death. CO can also combine with proteins in tissues, destroying the tissues and causing injury and death.”⁵

“Carbon monoxide has been termed the “silent killer” due its physical characters as well as its mechanism of action.”⁴

For economic reasons and lack of resources, the use of conventional heating systems indoor will continue putting many in risk of death or serious health conditions. In addition, many people tend to stop exhaust fans to keep warm air inside. A preventive monitoring system installed indoor will result in reducing the risk of COP and will provide early alarm and/or actions to replace air inside.

My final project, CO_SAFE, will measure CO levels in air inside and produce necessary action to inform people about potential risks. Also will communicate with exhaust fan unit to operate and replace air inside.

2.2. Research and References

1: Carbon monoxide poisoning reason behind Madaba couple’s death
2: Four Yemenis ‘died of carbon monoxide poisoning
3: Man dies of carbon monoxide poisoning
4: Trends of carbon monoxide fatalities in Jordan
5: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning