When you inhale carbon monoxide it takes the place of oxygen in your blood. The result is that your body doesn't get enough oxygen. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches and drowsiness, and even death at very high concentrations. Motor vehicle exhaust is the leading source of carbon monoxide pollution. The number of motor vehicles in use and the miles traveled are increasing faster than population in Washington.
Motor vehicles account for at least half the carbon monoxide pollution in Washington.
Most of the rest comes from wood stoves and fireplaces, industries, and outdoor burning, including forest slash fires and residential and commercial burning. Health effects of carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide attaches to the red pigment in the blood, hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues. It then interferes with the hemoglobin's ability to supply tissues with the oxygen they need to function. Individuals most sensitive to carbon monoxide exposure are heart patients, people with lung problems, and people with blood problems such as anemia. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure may be increased length and frequency of chest pain for those with heart or other circulator problems.