Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
How are we affected by carbon monoxide? why does it kill us?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Impairs O2 use: Carbon monoxide does damage by binding to red blood cells, causing them to not be able to carry oxygen. It happens as soon as the CO contacts the blood and it will stay attached to the hemoglobin in the blood for many hours. It is reversed much faster when the person is treated by breathing 100% oxygen. It's normal to have a little CO in the blood - smokers have up to 15% (40% is lethal)
Answered 6/12/2015
2.8k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
At what rate does carbon monoxide posioning affect you?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Does dizziness from carbon monoxide go away once fresh air?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Could it be bad that my carbon monoxide detector is up high?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Why would cigarette companies put tar and carbon monoxide in cigarettes?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
