Why do people die from carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer 1

It is definitely possible for a person to kill yourself this way. Some people who are concerned about life insurance paying out think they can make monoxide poisoning look like an accidental death. Assuming that you're asking this for real, rather than coming up with a plot for a novel or something, please call 1(800)SUICIDE [1-800-784-2433] before doing anything irrevocable. Carbon monoxide is a gas molecule that binds to a red blood cell more strongly that oxygen. Because oxygen cannot displace the CO once bound, the blood system is left with less and less oxygen for fuel. This yields a slow, toxic suffocation. Symptoms of CO poisoning - headache first, then nausea/vomiting, then altered level of consciousness (something like being very drunk and incoherent), then after that generally losing consciousness and death. After death there is often cherry-red skin, much like the meat at the grocery store which is treated with CO for preservation.

Answer 2

If you are contemplating suicide, PLEASE call the Hopeline at 1-800-784-2433.

Typically, people who die of carbon monoxide poisoning (intentionally or accidentally) are inside a closed area (house, garage) where fumes are being generated by a running automobile or by some form of heating fuel (such as charcoal). Most forms of simple ventilation will prevent dangerous concentrations of the monoxide, but fatalities have been known to occur.

Answer 3

Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Answer 4

Carbon monoxide binds more readily to hemoglobin than oxygen, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs. This can lead to tissue damage and ultimately result in death from oxygen deprivation. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle and easily overlooked, which is why it is often called the "silent killer."

Answer 5

Not keeping an area well ventilated can lead to accidental CO poisoning, especially in areas such as small garages.