Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, wood, and natural gas. It can be emitted by a variety of sources, including:

 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, wood, and natural gas. It can be emitted by a variety of sources, including: 

Motor vehicles: The main source of CO pollution in urban areas 

Industrial processes: A source of CO pollution 

Residential wood burning: A source of CO pollution 

Power plants: A source of CO pollution 

Wildfires: A source of CO pollution 

Incinerators: A source of CO pollution 

CO can be harmful to human health and the environment: 

Health

CO can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to the body's organs and tissues, leading to vision problems, difficulty learning or working, and even death. The degree and duration of exposure can lead to complications such as heart damage, permanent brain damage, miscarriage, fetal death, and death. 

Environment

CO can change the amount of greenhouse gases, which are linked to climate change and global warming. It can also increase land and sea temperature, change ecosystems, increase storm activity, and cause other extreme weather events. 

To reduce your exposure to CO, you can:

Install a CO detector with an audible alarm near sleeping areas, on indoor walls shared with a garage, and near combustion equipment in your home

Avoid exercising along a busy street or highway