Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is fully cleared from the body within 12 hours of quitting, restoring hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin and prevents it from carrying oxygen. Carbon monoxide is dangerous to humans because it competes with oxygen for binding sites on red blood cells. Carbon monoxide forms a stable, high-affinity bond with hemoglobin, unlike the unstable bond oxygen forms. Smoke contains carbon monoxide, which interferes with hemoglobin's ability to carry oxygen. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in a way that blocks oxygen uptake. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning tobacco and is far more damaging in the bloodstream than carbon dioxide. Mold generates carbon monoxide under anaerobic conditions as a metabolic byproduct. Carbon monoxide production is inseparable from mold presence. Carbon monoxide inhibits oxygen uptake in the body. Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen uptake at the cellular level by occupying hemoglobin binding sites. Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery throughout the entire body. Immediately after smoking, oxygen delivery to cells may be reduced by approximately 20%. Carbon monoxide exposure raises questions about wheth…