What are the health effects of Carbon Monoxide from car exhaust fumes?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that is released into the air from the exhaust fumes of cars and other vehicles. When inhaled, CO can bind to haemoglobin in the blood, preventing the blood from carrying oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. This can lead to a variety of health effects, including:

* headaches

* dizziness

* confusion

* fatigue

* weakness

* nausea

* vomiting

* unconsciousness

* death

In high concentrations, CO can be fatal. The amount of CO that is dangerous to human health depends on a number of factors, including the concentration of CO in the air, the duration of exposure, and the person's overall health.

People who are most at risk for CO poisoning include:

* infants and young children

* pregnant women

* people with heart or lung disease

* people who are elderly or frail

* people who smoke

If you think you may have been exposed to CO, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for CO poisoning typically involves breathing pure oxygen.