Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas created whenever a fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, kerosene, natural gas, and oil is burning. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because of its attraction to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. CO is breathed in through the lungs and binds to hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin thereby displacing oxygen needed for cells to function. Eventually CO displaces enough oxygen in the system and results in brain damage or death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Symptoms vary with the amount of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood.
Toxicity varies with length of exposure, concentration inhaled, and respiratory and circulatory rates. Carbon monoxide poisoning mimics common illnesses such as the flu and food poisoning. Carbon monoxide not only can kill, but can cause permanent brain damage. Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors installed. These detectors will alert you of the presence of CO in the house.