Question

Why is carbon monoxide poisonous to humans?

A) It steals the oxygen from our bloodstream.
B) It steals the carbon from our breath.
C) Carbon monoxide isn't poisonous, carbon dioxide is.
D) All of the above.

Answer 1

Carbon monoxide is poisonous to humans because it binds to hemoglobin in our blood, preventing oxygen from binding and being transported to our cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is poisonous to humans because it binds to hemoglobin in our blood. When inhaled, carbon monoxide has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, so it binds to hemoglobin preferentially over oxygen. This prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin and being transported to our cells, leading to a decrease in the delivery of oxygen to our organs and tissues.