Substance
Carbon monoxide

Pathology
Hemoglobin binding preventing delivery of oxygen to cells; has significantly greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen.

Symptoms
Mild headache, dyspnea with moderate exertion, irritability, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, ataxia, syncope, convulsions, death from respiratory arrest.

Emergency Measures
100% oxygen by face mask or endotracheal tube, IV fluids, cardiac monitoring, hyperbaric oxygen for significant exposures.

Comments
Residual effects can include dementia, psychosis, paralysis, peripheral neuropathy, and parkinsonism. Consider CO toxicity in persons with significant smoke inhalation burns.