Editorial on Carbon Monoxide and its Harmful Effects

George Dugbartey^*
*Correspondence: George Dugbartey, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, London Health Sciences Center, Western University, Londo, Canada, Email:

Editorial

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a gas produced when fuels such as propane, natural gas, gasoline, oil, coal, or wood are burned incompletely. Because it is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, it can only be identified with sophisticated equipment. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major health hazard.

Photochemical cycles in the air may likewise deliver carbon monoxide from methane and non-methane hydrocarbons, just as other unstable natural hydrocarbons in the environment and natural particles in surface waters and soils. There are an assortment of indoor CO sources that add to generally openness.

Furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves and other fuel-burning equipment are all potential producers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can be released if these devices are not utilised properly or if they malfunction. Blocked chimneys, automobile exhaust and tobacco smoke are all secondary sources of carbon monoxide, in addition to these primary ones. Carbon monoxide can also be released into the atmosphere by natural processes. CO is emitted by erupting volcanoes, forest fires, marsh vapours and marine algae, among other sources.

Carbon monoxide emissions are also heavily influenced by industry. Metal manufacture, ore and coal mining, energy generation, food manufacturing, chemical production, petroleum refining and concrete making all emit significant volumes of carbon monoxide.

Harmful effects of CO

Breathing CO-rich air limits the quantity of oxygen that can be transferred to vital organs like the heart and brain through the bloodstream. CO can induce dizziness, disorientation, unconsciousness and death at very high levels, which are conceivable indoors or in other confined places.

Extremely high CO levels are unlikely to occur outside. When CO levels are high outside, however, it can be especially dangerous for persons who have certain forms of cardiac problems. In instances where the heart requires more oxygen than normal, these persons already have a diminished capacity to deliver oxygenated blood to their hearts. When they exercise or are under stress, they are more exposed to CO's effects. Short-term exposure to high CO levels can cause a reduction in oxygen to the heart, as well as chest discomfort, often known as angina.

Topographical or climatic conditions that increase pollution, such as significant temperature inversions or the presence of neighbouring hills that hinder wind movement, may limit pollutant dispersion. Many of those places also have unhealthy levels of summer ozone (O₃) and year-round particle matter due to the restricted dispersion (PM). Low temperatures contribute to high CO levels as well. When it's cold outside, engines and car emissionscontrol systems work less efficiently: air-to-fuel ratios are lower, combustion is less complete and catalysts take longer to completely activate. As a result, incomplete combustion products, such as CO, are generated in larger amounts. High CO concentrations can be caused by a combination of geography, meteorological and emissions. Under those conditions, meeting the healthbased National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO has proven problematic. The question is whether special approaches are required to regulate CO in such problem places, or whether present policies will eventually result in adequate air quality.