This bonding can change the function of the heme proteins.
Carbon monoxides affinity to bind with hemoglobin is more than 200 times greater than that of oxygen for hemoglobin.
The developing nervous system is particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Carbon monoxide can also create effects that are unrelated to the supply of oxygen.
Uses
Carbon monoxide has a variety of uses in manufacturing and medical products.
It is also used in some lasers that cut glass.
Medical
Carbon monoxide can be used to create aluminum chloride, a chemical in skin medications.
The gas is used as a marker of respiratory status inspirometry, or lung function tests.
Carbon monoxide is inhaled in small amounts because it mimics the behavior of oxygen in the body.
Researchers have found that inhalation of low doses of carbon monoxide can protect against further lung injury.
Carbon monoxide additives are approved by the Federal Department of Agriculture in the packaging of red meat.
Agriculture
A variety of fumigants, including carbon monoxide, are used to kill rodents in agriculture.
Carbon monoxide kills rodents by reducing the amount of oxygen transmitted to their cells.
It is also extremely flammable and classified as a health hazard.
Carbon monoxide poisoningcan cause illness, hospitalization, and death.
Carbon monoxide build-up is not necessarily a result of a malfunctioning appliance.
When the gas concentrates in a small area and cannot dissipate, people and animals can get poisoned.
Too much inhaled carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.
Djenane D, Roncales P.Carbon monoxide in meat and fish packaging: Advantages and limits.Foods.
2018;7(2):12. doi:10.3390/foods7020012
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wilbur S, Williams M, Williams R.Toxicological profile for carbon monoxide.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
