Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cellular poison. It interferes with the
oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin; it impairs oxygen
delivery to the tissues, and it interferes with cytochrome
oxicase in the mitochondria. All of these mechanisms result in
tissue hypoxemia; thus, the most important symptoms and
signs of CO poisoning reflect varying levels of cardiac and CNS
hypoxia. Symptoms of mild to moderate CO-poisoning include
headache, myalgias, dizziness, irritability and lack of
concentration; clinical findings may be minimal. Findings of
severe poisoning can include dysrhythmia, cardiac ischemia,
seizures and coma.
Important sources of carbon monoxide (CO) include motor
vehicle exhaust and poorly ventilated or malfunctioning heaters.
Any type of heater, whether gas, wood, charcoal, etc., can
result in CO formation through incomplete combustion of the
heating source; inadequate or malfunctioning ventilation can
result in accumulation of dangerous CO levels.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of death
due to poisons in the United States. The major souce of CO
resulting in death are structural (house, factory, building) fires.