How does Carbon Monoxide cause injury to life?

Carbon monoxide (CO) poses a significant risk to human health primarily through its ability to bind with hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it competes with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin. This binding is much stronger than that of oxygen, which means that even relatively low concentrations of carbon monoxide can significantly decrease the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and tissues.

As a result, organs and tissues become oxygen-deprived, leading to cellular dysfunction and injury. The body's tissues, especially those that are highly dependent on oxygen, like the brain and heart, are particularly vulnerable to this lack of oxygen, which can result in serious health consequences or even death if exposure is prolonged or severe. Understanding this mechanism helps emphasize why carbon monoxide is referred to as a silent killer, and demonstrates the importance of ensuring proper ventilation in spaces where it may be present.