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Carbon monoxide - Overview

Definition of Carbon monoxide:

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths each year in North America. It is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.

This article discusses poisoning from breathing in carbon monoxide.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Carbon monoxide, a chemical produced from the incomplete burning of natural gas or other products containing carbon.

Where Found:

The following items may produce carbon monoxide:

  • Anything that burns coal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, or wood
  • Automobile engines
  • Charcoal grills (charcoal should never be burned indoors)
  • Indoor and portable heating systems
  • Portable propane heaters
  • Stoves (indoor and camp stoves)
  • Water heater that use natural gas

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/17/2007
  • Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Kao LW. Toxicity associated with carbon monoxide. Clin Lab Med. 2006; 26(1): 99-125.

Sather JE . Toxins. Anesthesiol Clin North America. 2006; 24(3); 647-670.