Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that mixes evenly with air. Carbon monoxide is extremely harmful to humans because it limits the ability of blood to carry oxygen. Blood has an estimated 210-250 times greater affinity for carbon monoxide than for oxygen. Carbon monoxide bonds with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, thus interfering with the uptake and delivery of oxygen to the body.
Carbon monoxide levels are measured in parts per million. The following table illustrates the physiological effects associated with varying levels of carbon monoxide.
Death can result from very brief exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide or prolonged exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea.
Testing of the carbon monoxide levels behind ski boats has shown levels as high as 26,000 ppm; more than double the amount that can result in immediate death.
