Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. Nicknamed "the silent killer", carbon monoxide is totally undetectable by human senses. Hundreds of people are killed in each year by accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are permanently injured. Since carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion, any fuel-burning appliance, vehicle or tool that is inadequately vented or maintained can be a potential source of carbon monoxide gas.
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
If there is carbon monoxide in the air you breathe, it will enter your blood system the same way oxygen does, through your lungs. The carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in your blood, depriving your body of oxygen. When the carbon monoxide displaces enough oxygen, you suffocate.
What Are The Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Long-term exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide can gradually build up in the blood causing flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea and drowsiness. Since the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are so common, and often misdiagnosed, Exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide will cause throbbing headaches, breathing difficulties, confusion and loss of consciousness, cardiac problems and/or death.
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