December 12th, 2017
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that is a product of incomplete combustion. Motor vehicles, heaters, appliances that use carbon based fuels, and household fires are the main sources of this poison. Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is the leading cause of death due to poisoning in the United States. CO poisoning is also the most common cause of death in combustion related inhalation injury. The incidence of non-lethal CO poisoning is not well established nor is that of unrecognized CO poisoning (subacute poisoning due to an unrecognized toxic CO exposure in the home or other indoor environment).