Carbon-dioxide and Human Life

Carbon monoxide can cause poisoning, which typically occurs from breathing in carbon monoxide (CO) at excessive levels. Symptoms are often described as 'flu-like' and commonly include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Large exposures can result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmias, seizures, or death. The classically described 'cherry red skin' rarely occurs. Long-term complications may include feeling tired, trouble with memory, and movement problems. In those exposed to smoke, cyanide toxicity should also be considered. It is Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur accidentally, as an attempt to end one’s own life, or as an attempt to end another’s life. Carbon monoxide primarily causes adverse effects by combining with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) preventing theblood from carrying oxygen. Additionally, myoglobin and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidize are affected. Diagnosis is based on a HbCO level of more than 3% among nonsmokers and more than 10% among smokers.