In Germany, an estimated several hundred people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Many of these deaths could be avoided, says Claudia Groetschel from the “CO macht KO” initiative. It reveals where dangers lurk in everyday life.
Ms. Groetschel, during the dark season, especially around Christmas, there are increasing warnings about fatal poisoning from carbon monoxide (CO). Why?
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous poisons we can encounter in everyday life. Tragic deaths occur again and again that are completely unexpected. It affects people of all ages, including children, without warning, often in their own four walls.
What is carbon monoxide anyway?
It is a gas produced by incomplete combustion. If fire doesn’t get enough oxygen, it produces carbon dioxide, i.e. CO2also carbon monoxide, i.e. CO, a molecule with one less oxygen atom.