Carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide are both gases, but their chemical compositions and properties are very different. Carbon dioxide is found in the atmosphere all around the world, while carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can cause poisoning when exposed to high concentrations.

Carbon dioxide vs carbon monoxide, colorless gas that is produced when carbon-containing fuels like gasoline, wood, coal or propane burn incompletely. It is emitted by motor vehicles, home heating systems and fires. Carbon monoxide can be deadly when inhaled at high concentrations, as it binds to hemoglobin in the blood and prevents it from carrying oxygen to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and other organs. Carbon monoxide exposure may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most dangerous to infants, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disorders.

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Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is a colorless, odourless, tasteless and non-toxic gas. It is a naturally occurring compound that is formed when carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms. It is a key component of the air we breathe, and it plays an important role in human respiration as well as in plant and animal life. It is a greenhouse gas, but does not contribute to global warming at the levels at which it occurs in nature. It is used commercially to produce dry ice, to carbonate drinks and as a flame retardant in fire extinguishers.