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Carbon monoxide poisoning - Background information
What causes it?
- Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion of organic material [HPA, 2007a].
- Important causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include inhalation of [HPA, 2007a]:
- Smoke in burning buildings.
- Petrol or diesel engine exhaust gases retained in an enclosed space, for example from vehicles or portable generators.
- Burnt gases from faulty gas or solid fuel appliances used for domestic heating or cooking.
- Burnt gases from gas or solid fuel appliances intended for outdoor use only, such as charcoal barbecues or camping stoves.
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