Carbon Monoxide (CO) is classified as which type of asphyxiant?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is classified as a chemical asphyxiant because it disrupts the body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen. Unlike simple asphyxiants, which displace oxygen in the environment, chemical asphyxiants like CO bind with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin. This impairs the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to vital organs, leading to suffocation at the cellular level, even in environments that have ample oxygen available. Understanding this classification is important for recognizing the dangers posed by CO in fire scenarios and ensuring proper safety measures are taken to prevent exposure.