Smoking is addictive and dangers are well known! Thus there are millions of people trying to quit. There are numerous hazards linked to smoking that we are all aware of, only a few are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is present in every cigarette and anyone who smokes is at the risk of exposure to it.
Smoking raises the CO (Carbon Monoxide) levels of blood and this level goes on increasing with every cigarette. The good thing is that after quitting, these levels become normal in a day or two.
Health effects related to CO may vary from person to person.
Carbon Monoxide combines with haemoglobin to form a substance called carboxyhaemoglobin which blocks the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide exposure:
- Fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, mental confusion and rapid heart rate.
- Long-term, low-level exposure of pregnant women may cause harm to the developing foetus.
- Long-term exposure to CO can lead to heart disease.
- There are number of sources of Carbon Monoxide exposure like incinerators, car exhaust and gas furnaces. These are difficult to avoid but you can surely avoid cigarette smoking!
