Which of the following is the gas which produces systemic toxicity without causing local irritation?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless odourless and tasteless gas. Headache and nausea may be an initial sign of poisoning. Since the PO2 is normal the respiratory centres are also not stimulated. The victim is simply asphyxiated even without him knowing it. Ref: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th Edition, Chapter 52
Ammonia
Carbon monoxide
Hydrocyanic acid
Sulfur dioxide