Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide to Street Hawkers in Ghana. How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Human Body, Symptoms, Long-Term Health Effects, and Vulnerable Groups
Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide to Street Hawkers in Ghana II. In this part we shall explore how carbon monoxide affects the body, the immediate symptoms, long-term health effects, effects on children who hawk, and who is most vulnerable, using evidence-based yet easy-to-understand language. We shall continue from the harmful effect of Carbon Monoxide on the human body.
4. How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Human Body
Carbon monoxide (CO) is dangerous because it interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen. Every organ in the body depends on a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it reduces the amount of oxygen available to vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.
For street hawkers in Ghana who spend many hours beside busy roads, repeated exposure to carbon monoxide can gradually affect their health, even when they do not immediately feel sick.
How Carbon Monoxide Enters the Body
When a person breathes polluted air containing carbon monoxide:
- The gas enters the lungs.
- It passes through the tiny air sacs (alveoli).
- It enters the bloodstream.
- It attaches to red blood cells.
Unlike dust particles that may be trapped in the nose or throat, carbon monoxide easily enters the blood within minutes of inhalation.
Carbon Monoxide Binds with Hemoglobin
Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, whose main job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body.
Carbon monoxide has an exceptionally strong attraction to hemoglobin—about 200–250 times stronger than oxygen. As a result, hemoglobin binds to carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.
Formation of Carboxyhemoglobin
When carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin, it forms carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
Carboxyhemoglobin cannot transport oxygen. As more COHb forms, less oxygen reaches the body’s tissues and organs.
The longer a person remains exposed to carbon monoxide, the higher the level of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood.
Reduced Oxygen Transport
Because oxygen delivery decreases, the body’s cells begin to struggle.
This lack of oxygen is called tissue hypoxia.
Hypoxia can affect nearly every organ, especially those with high oxygen demands.
Why the Brain and Heart Are Affected First
The brain and heart require a constant supply of oxygen to function normally.
When oxygen levels fall:
The Brain
Reduced oxygen may cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Slower reaction times
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases
The Heart
Reduced oxygen supply forces the heart to work harder.
This may result in:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Worsening heart disease
- Increased risk of heart attack
People with existing cardiovascular disease are especially vulnerable.
A Simple Explanation
Imagine that oxygen is like food being delivered to every house in a city.
Red blood cells are the delivery trucks.
Carbon monoxide hijacks the trucks before oxygen can be loaded. Even though the trucks are still moving, they are carrying carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.
As a result, the body’s organs are “starved” of the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
5. Immediate Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
One of the greatest dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning is that its early symptoms resemble many common illnesses.
Street hawkers may mistakenly believe they are tired from work, dehydrated, or suffering from malaria when the real cause is prolonged exposure to traffic pollution.
Common Early Symptoms
Headache
Headaches are often the earliest sign of carbon monoxide exposure.
They may:
- Feel dull or persistent
- Become worse after spending hours beside traffic
- Improve after leaving polluted areas
Fatigue
Many hawkers report feeling unusually tired despite getting adequate sleep.
Reduced oxygen delivery means muscles receive less energy, leading to persistent fatigue.
Weakness
General body weakness may make it difficult to carry goods, walk long distances, or remain standing for extended periods.
Dizziness
Reduced oxygen reaching the brain may cause:
- Light-headedness
- Feeling faint
- Difficulty maintaining balance
This can increase the risk of falls and road traffic injuries.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some people experience stomach discomfort, nausea, or vomiting, especially after prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust.
Chest Pain
Individuals with heart disease may develop chest discomfort because the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen.
Shortness of Breath
Even during light physical activity, affected individuals may feel breathless because oxygen delivery has been reduced.
Blurred Vision
Temporary visual disturbances may occur due to decreased oxygen reaching the eyes and brain.
Confusion
Some people become forgetful, confused, or disoriented after prolonged exposure.
Poor Concentration
Carbon monoxide may reduce attention span, making it difficult to:
- Count money
- Communicate with customers
- Make quick decisions
- Work efficiently
Why These Symptoms Are Often Misdiagnosed
In Ghana, these symptoms are commonly mistaken for:
- Malaria
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Hunger
- Lack of sleep
- General body weakness
Because symptoms are non-specific, many people continue working without realizing they are repeatedly inhaling harmful gases.
6. Long-Term Health Effects
Although high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause acute poisoning, repeated exposure to lower concentrations over months or years may also contribute to chronic health problems.
Street hawkers who spend years working in polluted roadside environments may face an increased risk of several diseases.
Cardiovascular Effects
The heart requires a continuous oxygen supply.
Repeated carbon monoxide exposure may:
- Increase blood pressure in susceptible individuals.
- Worsen existing heart disease.
- Increase strain on the heart.
- Trigger chest pain (angina).
- Raise the risk of heart attacks.
- Increase the likelihood of stroke, particularly in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.
People with hypertension or coronary artery disease should be especially cautious.
Respiratory Effects
Carbon monoxide often exists alongside other harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.
Long-term exposure to traffic pollution may contribute to:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Reduced lung function
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Although carbon monoxide itself is not the only cause of these conditions, continuous roadside exposure to mixed air pollutants can significantly increase respiratory health risks.
Neurological Effects
The brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation.
Chronic exposure may contribute to:
- Poor memory
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced mental alertness
- Slower thinking
- Persistent headaches
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to permanent neurological damage, although this is more commonly associated with high-level exposures.
Reproductive Effects
Pregnant women exposed to carbon monoxide require special attention.
Carbon monoxide crosses the placenta and can reduce the oxygen supply available to the unborn baby.
Research has associated significant carbon monoxide exposure with:
- Pregnancy complications
- Low birth weight
- Premature delivery
- Fetal growth restriction
- Increased risk of miscarriage in severe cases
- Reduced oxygen supply to the fetus
For this reason, pregnant women working beside heavy traffic should minimize exposure whenever possible.
7. Effects on Children Who Hawk
Children are not simply “small adults.” Their bodies and organs are still developing, making them more susceptible to environmental pollutants.
Unfortunately, some Ghanaian children engage in street hawking before school, after school, or during holidays.
Brain Development
A child’s brain requires large amounts of oxygen for healthy growth.
Repeated carbon monoxide exposure may interfere with normal brain development, especially when combined with other traffic-related pollutants.
Learning Ability
Reduced oxygen delivery may affect:
- Memory
- Attention
- Problem-solving skills
- Classroom participation
This can make learning more difficult.
School Performance
Children who experience frequent headaches or fatigue may struggle to concentrate during lessons.
Poor attendance due to illness can further reduce academic achievement.
Physical Growth
Healthy growth depends on adequate nutrition and oxygen delivery.
Repeated exposure to polluted air may contribute to poorer overall health, although growth is influenced by many factors.
Long-Term Health Risks
Children exposed to roadside pollution over many years may face an increased likelihood of developing respiratory and cardiovascular problems later in life.
Protecting children from unnecessary exposure should remain a public health priority.
8. Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Although anyone can be affected by carbon monoxide exposure, certain groups face a greater risk of illness.
Children
Children:
- Breathe faster than adults.
- Spend more oxygen per kilogram of body weight.
- Have developing organs.
These factors increase their vulnerability.
Older Adults
Elderly individuals often have chronic diseases affecting the heart or lungs.
Reduced oxygen delivery may worsen these existing conditions.
Pregnant Women
Pregnancy increases the body’s oxygen requirements.
Carbon monoxide exposure may affect both the mother and the developing fetus.
People with Heart Disease
Individuals with:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Previous heart attacks
- Angina
are more likely to experience serious complications from reduced oxygen delivery.
People with Asthma and Other Lung Diseases
People living with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or COPD may find that traffic pollution aggravates their symptoms, leading to more frequent flare-ups.
People with Anemia
Anemia reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
When carbon monoxide further limits oxygen transport, affected individuals may experience more severe symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and fatigue.
Street Hawkers with Multiple Risk Factors
Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide to Street Hawkers in Ghana II
A pregnant street hawker who has anemia or asthma, or an older hawker living with hypertension, may face an even greater health burden from long-term carbon monoxide exposure.
Recognizing these vulnerable groups allows healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations to design targeted interventions that reduce exposure and improve occupational health outcomes across Ghana.
This part brings an end to Harmful Effects of Carbon Monoxide to Street Hawkers in Ghana II.
In Part 3, I’ll cover the economic impact, environmental impact, practical ways street hawkers can reduce their risk, government interventions, the role of NGOs and communities, and provide a frequently asked questions (FAQs) before doing a conclusion to the piece.
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