Carbon monoxide alarms are recommended in houses across the country, but the harm caused by unsafe levels of carbon dioxide is far less understood and discussed.

The perils of one of the most important greenhouse gases — linked to the increase in Earth's temperature — became a hot topic Monday morning after Los Angeles International Airport was partially evacuated due to a carbon dioxide leak.

Four workers suddenly took ill after apparent exposure to the gas, and one of them, a 50-year-old male, was hospitalized in critical condition in the aftermath of the leak that took place near the Terminal 8 baggage area at 7 a.m. ET.

Fifty-four firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived at the scene within five minutes of the call. Capt. Erik Scott, a spokesperson for the LAFD, said the leak happened in an electrical room, 200 feet away from the baggage area, according to USA Today.

A "popping sound" was reportedly heard by the four workers, later determined to be the release of the gas in the room. Three of them got out quickly, while the fourth one who remained in the room went into cardiac arrest. CPR was administered to stabilize him. He's now recovering at a hospital.

This incident has since sparked a conversation about carbon dioxide poisoning and the importance of knowing what to do in case one experiences it.

What Is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas with a faint odor and sour taste. It is produced and released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, fermentation, cellular metabolism in humans and even belches from ruminant animals.

Potential Exposure

One of the main routes of exposure to the gas is through inhalation. An increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air in an enclosed area can quickly displace oxygen in the air. Less oxygen for breathing can lead to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, coma and in death in some cases. Permanent brain and heart damage can occur due to a lack of oxygen.

Exposure through the skin can cause frostbite. The dangers of solid carbon dioxide, popularly known as dry ice, are well known. It can cause serious burns to the skin, just like a very hot object would, in a very short time.

An increased amount of dry ice in a poorly ventilated room can make a person unconscious and result in death in some cases. Exposure can also happen if the eyes come in contact with liquefied carbon dioxide, which could freeze the eye and lead to permanent blindness.

Past Cases

According to PubMed Central, a 66-year-old worker had to be administered six minutes of CPR before his blood circulation stabilized after approaching, but not entering, a room where a carbon dioxide tank exploded.

His brain function didn't bounce back immediately, and after spending days in the intensive care unit, scans showed severe diffuse cerebral dysfunction, hypoxic brain damage and the presence of pneumonia in his left lower lung field.

In 2005, a 33-year-old public relations professional experienced alcohol poisoning from dry ice used for special effects in an election campaign.

What to Do in Case of Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

The simplest thing one can do is to increase the flow of oxygen in the area. In case of a leak, the container can be moved to an open yet secure area.

One can also prevent accidental exposure to unsafe levels of carbon dioxide by checking the oxygen levels in confined spaces where carbon dioxide is stored. People should also equip their properties and businesses with a carbon dioxide alarm and seek medical attention immediately if they are experiencing symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning.

Greenhouse Gas
Chris LeBoutillier/Unsplash
Read more