Pollutants: Carbon Monoxide
CO is colorless and odorless gas that is typically associated with incomplete combustion (vehicles, furnaces, etc). It affects the body's ability to absorb oxygen and deliver it to the organs and tissues. Health effects include fatigue, headaches and slowed reflexes. High exposures can cause unconsciousness and death. The brain and heart are the organs most sensitive to carbon monoxide exposure. Other symptoms of overexposure may include: dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. Exposure to CO is particularly dangerous for those with heart and respiratory conditions, pregnant women, fetuses, and anemic individuals.
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