Risk factors

Exposure to carbon monoxide may be particularly dangerous for:

• Unborn babies. Fetal blood cells take up carbon monoxide more readily than adult blood cells do. This makes unborn babies more susceptible to harm from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Children. Young children take breaths more frequently than adults do, which may make them more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Older adults. Older people who experience carbon monoxide poisoning may be more likely to develop brain damage.
• People who have chronic heart disease. People with a history of anemia and breathing problems also are more likely to get sick from exposure to carbon monoxide.
• Those in whom carbon monoxide poisoning leads to unconsciousness. Loss of consciousness indicates more severe exposure.