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The Conversation
The Conversation
Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull

Carbon monoxide: what is it and why is it deadly?

Generators should not be used in confined and poorly ventilated spaces. Shutterstock

Many of us are familiar with the typical results of burning fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. The reaction produces heat which we harness to warm our homes, heat water and cook food, power vehicles and generate electricity.

Combustion also produces gases, most obviously carbon dioxide. This is produced when the carbon, locked away in the petrol, gas or wood, reacts with oxygen in the air. We can’t see or smell carbon dioxide – it’s non-toxic and is unreactive – so most of the time as it drifts away into the air around us and we don’t give it a moment’s thought.

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