Final answer:
Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, can be fatal as it prevents oxygen delivery in the body, causing symptoms such as headache, confusion, and in severe cases, death.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can indeed be deadly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the burning of various fuels. It is particularly dangerous because it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning by binding to hemoglobin in the blood, which blocks the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, vomiting, and confusion, and in severe cases, it can result in unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, or death. Proper detection and treatment, such as moving the affected individual to fresh air and administering oxygen, are critical for survival.