What happens to the body when exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide?

When the body is exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide, it causes oxygen deprivation in tissues. Carbon monoxide has a high affinity for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, it forms carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. This reduction in available oxygen leads to a state of hypoxia, where tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen to function properly. Symptoms of this condition can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Understanding this mechanism highlights the critical role that oxygen plays in cellular metabolism and the detrimental effects of carbon monoxide exposure on the body.