Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a form of hypoxia caused by a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuel—such as in an aircraft's exhaust system. CO binds to hemoglobin (the blood molecule that carries oxygen) much more readily than oxygen does, chemically blocking the blood from transporting oxygen to your tissues. Because exhaust often leaks into the cabin through a faulty heating system, a smell of exhaust or onset of symptoms (headache, dizziness, drowsiness) means you should shut off the heater, open vents for fresh air, and land as soon as possible. Think of it as your blood getting "tricked" into grabbing the wrong gas.
Also known as: CO poisoning, carbon monoxide hypoxia
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