What effect might carbon monoxide have on the environment?
Carbon monoxide increases the amount of other greenhouse gases (methane), and eventually oxidises into carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases are linked to global warming. Very high levels of carbon monoxide will cause the same problems to birds and animals that are experienced by people, although these levels are very unlikely to be encountered in the environment except during extreme events like bushfires. At high levels, carbon monoxide will cause illness (fatigue, gastric upset). At very high levels, carbon monoxide will be life-threatening. Long-term (chronic) exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may produce heart disease and damage to the nervous system. Exposure of pregnant animals to carbon monoxide may cause low birthweight, increased foetal mortality and nervous system damage to the offspring.
