Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning.
The Problem with CO
Since CO has no odor, color or taste, it cannot be detected by our senses. This means that dangerous concentrations of the gas can build up indoors and humans have no way to detect the problem until they become ill. Furthermore, when people become sick the symptoms are similar to the flu, which can cause victims to ignore the early signs of CO poisoning.
The CDC estimates that approximately 400 people die from unintentional CO exposure in the United States every year. Approximately 300 people visit the emergency department each year for treatment of symptoms linked to unintentional CO exposure. For more information visit the Carbon Monoxide Data Portal.