Medical experts believe, however, that some individuals are more vulnerable to poisoning such as unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems. The great danger of carbon monoxide is its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which normally carries life-giving oxygen to cells and tissues. As even small amounts are breathed in, carbon monoxide quickly bonds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing the oxygen that organs need to function. Carboxyhemoglobin causes symptoms similar to the flu, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. As levels of COHb increase, vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventually brain damage or death can result.
Carbon monoxide is a common by-product of combustion, present whenever fossil fuels are burned.
It is produced by malfunctioning or unvented home appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves. Fumes from automobiles also contain high levels of carbon monoxide that can enter a home through walls or doorways if a care is left running in an attached garage. All of these sources can contribute to a CO problem in the home. If a home is vented properly and is free from appliance malfunctions, air pressure fluctuations or venting and chimney blockages, carbon monoxide is usually vented safely to the outside. However, insulation meant to keep indoor air warm during the winter or cool in the summer can trap CO-polluted air in the home.