If you detect potential problems, consider hiring a mechanic or marine surveyor for an evaluation. It is produced when a carbon-based fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, or charcoal is burned. Carbon monoxide freely disperses through the air, and will readily travel throughout a boat. The most common source of carbon monoxide is exhaust from gasoline or diesel engines. Cooking ranges, heaters, and charcoal grills also produce carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison.
Relatively low concentrations in the atmosphere may accumulate in the victim's blood over a period of time with serious or fatal results. It is absorbed by the lungs and attaches itself to the red blood cells, much like oxygen. However, blood will bond with carbon monoxide 200 times faster than oxygen. Insensible within two hours. Death in less than two hours.