What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you cannot smell or see. It is formed through combustion and is produced in car exhaust fumes, fires and from tobacco smoke.
Non-smokers have very low levels of CO in their blood but smoker's levels are usually much higher. The heavier the smoker, the higher the CO levels and the greater the dependence on nicotine. Having high levels of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream is very dangerous to health, and smoking is in effect a 'slow-motion suicide'.
How does CO get into your body?
When you inhale smoke from a cigarette CO is absorbed into your blood through the lungs.
Oxygen is carried around the body by red blood cells.
CO binds with haemoglobin in the red blood cells to form Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb), preventing red blood cells from carrying oxygen.
CO binds with haemoglobin 200 times more readily than oxygen.
A heavy smoker may have up to 10% of their blood cells taken up by CO, depriving the body of oxygen.
What does CO do to your body?
Heart - To compensate for the shortage of oxygen, the heart has to work harder (beat faster) to get enough oxygen to all parts of the body. The heart itself gets less oxygen increasing the risk of heart damage.
Circulation - The COHb causes thicker blood and the arteries get coated with a thick fatty substance. This causes circulation problems and high blood pressure, with increased risk of a heart attack and stroke. Hands and feet can become colder as less blood circulates to the extremes.
Breathing - The reduced supply of oxygen means you can easily get out of breath when exercising as there is little extra oxygen available for the increased demand. The lack of oxygen can also cause tiredness and lack of concentration.
Pregnancy The supply of oxygen required by the baby for healthy growth is reduced when the pregnant mother smokes.