Carbon Monoxide
Description
Carbon Monoxide is a very poisonous colorless, odorless, tasteless Gas. It is “invisible” to all of the human body’s normal defense mechanisms.
Chemical Symbol: CO
Toxic Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Cardiovascular System
Carbon Monoxide prevents the Hemoglobin in Red Blood Cells from transporting Oxygen to the Brain and other Organs (thereby causing Hypoxia):
- Carbon Monoxide combines with Hemoglobin 200 times more readily than Oxygen.
- When Carbon Monoxide combines with Hemoglobin it forms the lethal toxin named Carboxyhemoglobin.
Carbon Monoxide may be implicated in Atherosclerosis.
Metabolism
Carbon Monoxide interferes with the production of Energy by the Electron Transport System (ETS) in the Mitochondria of Cells - it blocks the activity of Cytochrome Oxidase (also called Complex IV) - an essential component of the Electron Transport System.
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- Nervous System
- Carbon Monoxide may Interfere with these Substances
- Enzymes
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- These Substances may Protect Against the Toxic Effects of Carbon Monoxide
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