Carboxyhaemoglobin

Carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO) is produced as a result of haemoglobin binding to carbon monoxide (CO), a highly toxic gas. This binding prevents oxygen being bound and transported by haemoglobin. It is therefore potentially fatal and causes many deaths every year.

Carboxyhaemoglobin is formed in carbon monoxide poisoning which for example, results from slow-burning poorly functioning central heating or stoves (poorly ventilated), or industrial accidents (foundries, incinerators, manufacture of explosives, firedamp in mines).