Carbon MonoxideHistoryCarbon Monoxide, or CO, is a chemical compound that consists of one atom of Carbon, and one atom of Oxygen. It was first "discovered" by Arnold of Villanova in the late 1200s when he noticed the smoke produced by burning wood created a poisonous gas. He was unsure of what the gas actually was, but it is assumed what he was viewing was CO. The actual discovery is credited to Joseph Priestly, an English chemist who was in the discovery process of the gas between the years 1772 and 1799.
|
EffectsCarbon Monoxide is deemed the tasteless, colorless, odorless killer. It is created when something does not burn or react completely or cleanly. It is often associated with cars, as they are the primary producers of the poisonous gas. Many homes are equipped with Carbon Monoxide detectors. Around 400 people die yearly from unintentional Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
|