how long does carbon monoxide stay in the body?

Question

Is there a way to know how long the effects of an exposure to carbon monoxide remains in the system? I'm sure it depends on the length of time, amount, and weight, but is there a general rule that can be applied given those variables?

Answer 1

Hi. From the web: "Carbon monoxide, like oxygen, has an affinity for iron-containing molecules, but it is about 210 times more effective in binding to iron-containing haemoglobin than oxygen is. Since air contains 21% oxygen this means that only 0.1% carbon monoxide in the air will eventually lead to 50% of the haemoglobin being combined to form carboxyhaemoglobin. Once carboxyhaemoglobin is formed, and after exposure ceases, it takes 4-5 hours for its level in the blood to fall, exponentially, by 50%. The ill effect of the gas can therefore be cumulative, and a person can be poisoned by intermittent exposure during the day."

Answer 2

And you turn bright pink when it happens because the carbon monoxide competes with the oxygen molecules and circulates through your system.