Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as natural gas, coal or wood. It can be generated from various sources including motor vehicles, generators, stoves, fireplaces, and heating systems. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream faster than oxygen, which means that it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches vital organs such as the heart and brain leading to headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even death at high levels of exposure. It is therefore essential to have carbon monoxide detectors in homes and other buildings to prevent poisoning from this dangerous gas.