Carbon Monoxide Headquarters





Carbon Monoxide Poisoning


Interactions with Other Substances:

  • Carbon dioxide - increases rate of CO uptake

  • Low oxygen/altitude - increases CO uptake & COHb level and shortens time to incapacitation

  • Heat - increases rate of CO uptake

  • Water vapor/humidity - may increase CO uptake

  • Cyanide - increases toxicity; additive/synergistic actions

  • NOx - irritates respiratory surfaces; binds to hemoglobin

  • Hydrogen sulfide, SOx, etc - poisons & respiratory irritants

  • Ethanol - immobilizes victim; however may be protective (?) and ETOH breakdown slower than normal

  • Methylene Chloride (dichloromethane) - is metabolized to CO in the body

  • Cocaine, marijuana, etc. - may lull, slow, immobilize user / victim

  • Barbiturates - may be protective, by decreasing cell metabolism



    Other Interactions with CO


    ...... last changed 03/20/02


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