is charcoal?

Question

is it harmful for humans to burn charcoal in an enclosed room?

Answer 1

Burning charcoal releases carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). CO is produced during incomplete combustion of charcoal, and this is what happens in an enclosed room, since there is not enough oxygen supplied to support combustion.

CO is a colourless, odourless gas. This is where the danger lies. You can inhale it and not know it. Anyway, haemoglobin (the substance that carries oxygen in our blood) has a higher affinity for CO than O2. Thus, the CO tends to stick with the haemoglobin -permanently. This greatly reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your body.

Your body needs the oxygen for energy (in respiration). Without enough oxygen, there is not enough energy produced and pretty soon your organs start failing and you die a painless death without even knowing it.

Don't try this at home!

Answer 2

YES, most certainly,and the danger is carbon monoxide, very likely danger. Don't ever do this in an enclosed room. Also, make sure the room is WELL ventilated, as even a small amount of carbon monoxide can accumulate in the blood.

Answer 3

Yes it is. During the burning of charcoal the gas carbon monoxide is produced which is extremely toxic. To make matters worse this gas has no taste or smell so you do not even know it is there.