Why is carbon monoxide is so toxic?

Answer 1

It cannot be detected (it is a odourless, colourless and tastless gas). However, CO binds with haemoglobin (in red blood cells) much more easily than O2 and it is irreversible. Thus, when a person breathes in too much CO, there won't be enough haemoglobin to carry O2, and that can kill him/her in the space of 25 minutes if not treated immeadietly.

Answer 2

Its so deadly because it is not oxygen. It takes the place of oxygen in your body and you wont even notice it. Because it is odorless and colorless, it is deadly to those who don't have carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide combines with the respiratory pigment haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin which has very low affinity for oxygen. Lack of oxygen leads to coma and finally ends in death. People who die of Carbon Monoxide poisoning have a characteristic cherry-red colour.

Answer 3

Hemoglobin ( your red blood cells) carry iron molecules to which oxygen molecules adhere when they pass through your lungs. the problem with C03 is that it sticks better to hemoglobin then oxygen does, so when your body requires oxygen which is all the time there is none for it to use. if the concentration of co3 is strong enough you will die as a result of aspihixiation or oxygen starvation.

Answer 4

Carbon monoxide reacts with the iron in hemoglobin, making it impossible for blood to absorb and transport oxygen to the cells of multicellar organisms. Can`t use oxygen in air, air breathers die.

Answer 5

It is dangerous because it interferes with normal oxygen uptake for humans

Answer 6

CO reacts with haemoglobin in blood to form carboxy-haemoglobin that is poisonous and prevents the carriage of oxygen in the blood