Carbon monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen, preventing the flow of oxygen to your heart, brain and vital organs. As carbon monoxide accumulates in your bloodstream, your body becomes starved for oxygen. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu - headache, dizziness weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal in munutes, Breathing low concentrations over time is dangerous, too. Long term exposure to low levels can cause permanent heart and brain damage.
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States.
According to the Mayo Clinic, at least 10,000 American are affected by CO poisoning each year. While anyone is susceptible, experts agree that unborn babies, small children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO and are the greatest risk for death or serious injury. Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of carbon monoxide, Vehicles running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. When these appliances are in good working condition with proper ventilation, lethal carbon monoxide gas is vented outdoors where it quickly disperses. But even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of these sources can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home that can become deadly before you'd even know it's there.