Table 2.1: Adverse health effects from exposure to carbon monoxide

Cardiovascular effects

Healthy adults

Decreased O₂ uptake, decreased work capacity (maximal exercise)

5.0 - 5.5%

< 5.0%

Significant decrease in work capacity

3.3 - 4.2%

< 3.0%

Strenuous exercise - maximal O₂ consumption

7 - 20%

People with ischaemic heart disease

Decreased exercise capacity at onset of angina, increased duration of angina

2.9 - 4.5%

2.5%

Neurobehavioural effects

Healthy adults

Statistically significant vigilance decrements

5.0 -7.6%

<5.0%

Statistically significant diminution of visual perception, manual dexterity, ability to learn, performance of complex sensorimotor tasks

5.0 -17%

<5.0%

Foetal effects

Reduced birth weight (non-smoking mothers)

2.0 - 7.0%

<2.0%