Author Description

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to carbon monoxide: a colorless, odorless gas produced by both natural and anthropogenic processes. Concerns about the potential health effects of exposure have been addressed in extensive studies with both humans and a range of animal species. Although studies of carbon monoxide poisoning are included, the report gives major attention to possible health risks linked to the relatively low concentrations that characterize most exposures. The report also aims to identify subpopulations that may be especially susceptible to adverse health effects. Close to 1000 references are included in this comprehensive assessment.<br> <br> Concerning environmental levels arising from human activities, highway vehicle emissions are considered the principal source followed by emissions from non-highway transportation sources other fuel combustion sources industrial processes and solid waste disposal. Evidence from monitoring stations supports the conclusion that environmental concentrations are declining, reflecting the efficacy of emission control devices on newer vehicles. The report also considers the factors that contribute to indoor concentrations with cigarette smoke singled out as a major source.<br> <br> A chapter on environmental distribution and transformation summarizes what is known about the environmental fate of carbon monoxide, its contribution to ozone production in the troposphere and its possible role in global warming. Sources of personal exposure are considered in the next chapter which concludes that the most important exposures for the general population occur in the vehicle and indoor macroenvironments. Several occupations involving an increased risk of high exposures are also identified. Toxicokinetics and mechanisms of action are reviewed in the next chapter which discusses the many factors that influence the concentrations of carboxyhaemoglobin in blood and summarizes what is known abo