Usually only produced during burning of carbon based fuels when combustion is incomplete, or when not enough oxygen is supplied to the burning process. Probably the best known source of CO is from automobile exhaust.
Carbon monoxide causes more poisoning deaths today than any other substance.
A carbon monoxide detector is the only reliable way to detect the presence of this colorless, odorless gas. When inhaled, carbon monoxide bonds with the hemoglobin in blood, displacing oxygen and resulting in oxygen starvation within the body. The brain and heart require large amounts of oxygen and quickly suffer from the oxygen shortage. This makes even small amounts of carbon monoxide dangerous. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic the flu, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion and irritability.