Description Chemical formula is CO – One carbon atom and one oxygen atom Colorless Odorless Gas at room temp. Do not confuse with CO 2

Sources Burning anything organic (living or once living- containing Carbon) and inhaling the fumes

Methylene Chloride A liquid found in degreasers, solvents and paint removers – Metabolized by the liver into CO – Can cause CO poisoning where CO is not inhaled

Toxicity Dangerous levels of CO – 100ppm – “highly toxic”

Symptoms HEADACHES NAUSEA DIZZINESS BALANCE ISSUES FATIGUE JOINT PAIN SLEEP ISSUES CHEST DISCOMFORT Red blotchy skin ASTHMA!

Detection Put near source – furnace, fire place…

Cure and Lasting Effects Cure – O 2 - replace CO on the hemoglobin – Get them outside if possible – Coffee or strong tea – Cotton with ammonium chloride Makes person cough Lasting Effects! – Brain Damage – Heart Damage – Endocrine Damage

History Early 1200’s- Spanish alchemist Arnold of Villanova described a poisonous gas produced by the incomplete combustion of wood that was almost certainly carbon monoxide Joseph Priestley- more recent and scientific study of CO Deaths are rare for people who have high income b/c they have $ to do proper maintenance...

Where is it? China

Social Impacts None… Can affect people of lower socio-economic status due to lower income. – Less money to make repairs to furnaces… – Lower education levels – Less money to purchase CO detectors

Bibliography survivor.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning- damage.html survivor.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning- damage.html -overview -overview money-online-pt-1/ money-online-pt-1/