Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after too much
inhalation of
carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a
toxic (
poisonous) gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Carbon monoxide is a product of
incomplete combustion of organic matter due to insufficient
oxygen supply to enable complete
oxidation to
carbon dioxide (CO
2). It is often produced in domestic or industrial settings by motor vehicles that run on
gasoline,
diesel,
methane, or other
carbon-based fuels and from tools, gas heaters, and cooking equipment that are powered by carbon-based fuels such as
propane,
butane and
charcoal. Exposure at 100
ppm or greater can be dangerous to human health.