What is the effect of carbon monoxide (CO) in cigarette smoke?
Carbon monoxide (CO), which makes up about 4% of the smoke of the average cigarette, has a stronger affinity for red blood cells than does oxygen-which red blood cells are meant to distribute to the body’s tissues. Thus, CO in smoke will replace the oxygen in red cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin (Cohb). On average, smokers have from 2.5% to 13.5% more Cohb in their blood than non-smokers. While nicotine causes the heart to work harder, Cohb deprives it of the extra oxygen this demands. CO also promotes cholesterol deposits in arteries. It impairs vision and judgment, and reduces attentiveness to sounds. Thus, CO is dangerous to drivers, reduces athletic performance, and poses particular hazards to flight crews. 7. But aren’t bad effects of inhaling these substances temporary? Most are, but in smokers they are repetitive and cumulative — a pack a day smoker inhales smoke about 102,000 times a year. If this continues year after year, the smoker’s chance for contracting a serious smoking
