ABSTRACT
These materials include carbon monoxide and metal carbonyls that readily decompose to produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide affects the ability of the blood system to carry oxygen by binding to red blood cells preventing the absorption and transport of oxygen by the blood. The lack of oxygen rapidly affects all body tissues, especially the central nervous system. In addition, metal carbonyls can cause pulmonary edema and may damage the liver and kidneys. Metal carbonyls are carcinogenic or are suspected human carcinogens.
