Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is a health hazard. Although the colourless gas causes no irritation and has no detectable taste or smell, it can interfere with the body's ability to absorb oxygen. The health impacts of carbon monoxide occur because it impairs the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen to body tissues.
Poisoning can be fatal.
Carbon monoxide is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. Most carbon monoxide emissions come from vehicles. Canada's OECD Ranking Canada ranks a dismal 26th out of 27 OECD nations in carbon monoxide emissions per capita and 25th out of 27 in total carbon monoxide emissions. Only Australians produce more per capita carbon monoxide emissions than Canadians, while only Australia and the United States produce higher total emissions. Canada produces 334.9 kg of carbon monoxide per capita, almost two and a half times the OECD average of 136.8 kg of carbon monoxide per capita.