Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Introduction
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless and non irritant gas, which
cannot be perceived by the senses. Whenever carbon is burnt either at a
high temperature or in a limited supply of oxygen some carbon monoxide
is formed. Carbon Monoxide poisoning may be due to inhalation of the
fumes given off by slow combustion of stoves, by burning charcoal in an
open fireplace or by breathing air, which is contaminated by coal gas in a
badly ventilated room. (Coal gas contains 5- 10% of CO). Deaths in a
house which is on fire, are mainly due to this gas. It is more powerful than
Carbon dioxide. As this gas has an affinity for Hb. of the blood, the
combination of two makes latter an useless oxygen carrier and renders
Hb. Functions less and carbon oxide haemoglobin is produced. Poisonings
are mostly accidental. Haemoglobin has 240 times greater affinity for CO
than for Oxygen. Therefore even minute quantities are readily absorbed
into the blood stream.
Carbon Monoxide was first prepared by the reduction of a metallic oxide
by French Chemist Lassone. Cruikshank found that it was a compound of
carbon and oxygen only. Dalton established its formula to be CO. It occurs
in traces in volcanic gases, tobacco smoke and chimney gases.
In Northern India and in the hills in the cold weather fatal poisonings have
resulted from the use of the charcoal sigry in a closed room for the sake
of warmth. Since the introduction of motor car, many deaths have
followed the inhalation of the exhaust gases given off by the engine when
running. These cases have, almost invariably, been due to the closed
garage. A few cases have been reported in which the passengers in the
closed car have been affected by the exhaust gases finding their way into
the car between badly fitting floor- boards. In latest vehicles that are fitted
with the catalytic converter, CO should not be released into the
atmosphere, where the devices are working properly.
Petrol, on burning , gives carbon a dioxide together with carbon monoxide.
These exhaust gases may contain as much as 8% to 10% carbon
monoxide. Octane (C8 H18), a hydrocarbon found, in petrol on incomplete
combustion releases carbon monoxide.
Coal or coke burnt in domestic ovens, stoves, also produces some carbon
monoxide. It is not advisable to sleep in a room where coke or wood is

burning and doors and windows are close because CO produced is a

poisonous gas