Carbon Monoxide Toxicity

David G. Penney

Public interest in the health impacts of carbon monoxide (CO) has been increasing rapidly during the past decade. And rightly so: it is the most ubiquitous environmental poison. Car exhaust fumes, furnaces, gas-powered engines, home water heaters, smoke from all types of fire, and tobacco smoke all contribute to carbon monoxide intoxication - the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Even when it doesn't cause death, it often produces lasting, deleterious effects on the central nervous system. From one of the world's top CO experts, Carbon Monoxide Toxicity examines the latest basic science and clinical research from around the world. It addresses the gamut of health-related CO issues, from the history of CO studies to the hidden threat of chronic low-level exposure. The broad themes center on clinical management of various forms of CO poisoning and education of the public on the constant dangers of CO. Thanks to the success of CO environmental health regulations in the U.S., society is much more aware of the threat of CO poisoning. Increasing numbers of people use CO detectors in public buildings, homes, pleasure boats, and aircraft. Carbon Monoxide Toxicity meets the need for current research on the clinical management of CO poisoning. Visit the author's Web site at www.coheadquarters.com