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Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbonaceous material. It can cause serious health problems and is commonly found in household appliances and internal combustion engines. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to fatigue, chest pain, and even death. Regular testing of carbon monoxide detectors and proper ventilation can prevent buildup in homes and vehicles.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas which is formed by partial combustion of carbonaceous material. While this gas is structurally very simple, it is also very deadly and poses a serious health risk as people can be seriously injured by slow exposure over time and brief exposure to high levels of this gas. Carbon monoxide is also very helpful; it is an important gas in many industrial processes, and is also deliberately generated by many chemical manufacturers.
The chemical formula of carbon monoxide is CO, which means it has one oxygen atom and one carbon atom. Any type of combustion will produce this gas in varying degrees, which is normally lost to the atmosphere; inefficient combustion can generate dangerously high levels of this gas. In a confined space, it can become very dangerous. One of the most common sources of dangerous carbon monoxide are household appliances such as stoves and stoves, along with internal combustion engines such as those found in automobiles. Proper ventilation of any type of equipment that burns carbonaceous material is extremely important.
When animals and people are exposed to carbon monoxide, the gas binds to the body’s red blood cells, interfering with their ability to carry oxygen. The gas can remain in the body for a long time, allowing people to slowly become ill with carbon monoxide poisoning. It can take several hours for the body to express the harmful carboxyhemoglobin that is formed as a result of exposure to CO.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, lethargy and chest pain. The tissues in the patient’s extremities will also begin to die due to the limited flow of oxygen. If left untreated, a person can go into a coma and eventually die. The condition is diagnosed by testing blood CO levels and treated by inhaling oxygen, often in a hyperbaric chamber; high pressure accelerates the expression of carboxyhemoglobin from the body.
In the home, it’s a great idea to purchase, use, and test carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis. In addition to alerting you to a dangerous leak caused by faulty devices, these detectors can also indicate a smoldering fire. You should also regularly check the efficiency of your appliances and make sure your home is well ventilated so that this harmful gas does not build up in your home. Several companies also produce CO detectors for vehicles.
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