Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas resulting from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Complete combustion results in the formation of carbon dioxide. Lack of oxygen results in the incomplete combustion and the formation of carbon monoxide.
Sources
The major source of carbon monoxide in the UK is road transport, accounting for 71% of the total in 1996. Road transport is the dominant source of carbon monoxide in the Wakefield District.
Health effects
At very high concentrations carbon monoxide can cause severe poisoning and ultimately death. This is due to the interference of carbon monoxide with the processes that transport oxygen around the body and by blocking essential biochemical reactions in cells.
