Which of the following is true about carbon monoxide exposure?

Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can be exceedingly dangerous, as it has the potential to be lethal even in relatively small concentrations. This gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper equipment. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more effectively than oxygen does, restricting the blood's ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to hypoxia, which is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, ultimately resulting in symptoms like dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death if exposure is prolonged or the concentration is high enough.

Because of its insidious nature, even minimal exposure can result in negative health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Therefore, awareness and preventive measures are crucial in environments where carbon monoxide might be present, such as near gas appliances or in poorly ventilated areas.

The other options imply misrepresentations about carbon monoxide. Suggestions that it is harmless in large amounts, safe to breathe in small amounts, or that it only affects the respiratory system mistakenly downplay the serious and systemic risks posed by carbon monoxide. In reality, carbon monoxide affects multiple systems in the body