Carbon monoxide
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (pronounced: /ˈkɑːrbən məˈnɒksaɪd/), often abbreviated as CO, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is toxic to hemoglobin in the blood. It is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds; it forms when there is not enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2).
Etymology
The term "carbon monoxide" is derived from the Latin carbo, meaning "charcoal," and monos, meaning "single" or "alone." This refers to the fact that CO is the result of burning carbon in a limited supply of oxygen.
Related Terms
- Carbon Dioxide: A colorless and odorless gas that is vital to life on Earth.
- Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
- Oxygen: A chemical element with symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as well as with other compounds.
Health Effects
Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can overcome a person in minutes without warning—causing them to lose consciousness and suffocate.
Prevention
CO poisoning can be prevented by installing a carbon monoxide detector inside your home, RV, and workplace. It's also a good idea to have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbon monoxide
- Wikipedia's article - Carbon monoxide
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