Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a deadly condition. It results
from inhaling carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is produced
when gas, wood, charcoal, or other fuel is burned. It often
builds up when fuel-burning heating and cooking devices are
faulty or not properly vented. A car engine can also produce
carbon monoxide, as can cigarette smoking. Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas. People can inhale it
without knowing. Once the gas is inhaled, it is easily absorbed
through the lungs. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood to the
entire body. Carbon monoxide binds tightly with hemoglobin and
takes the place of the oxygen. Tissue then becomes starved for
oxygen. Brain tissue is very much at risk. Inhaling carbon
monoxide gas causes carbon monoxide poisoning. People can be
exposed to the gas when fuel-burning appliances are broken or
are not vented properly. For instance: - If a vent pipe has a
hole, carbon monoxide can escape into the house. - Using a
barbecue grill or camp stove ind