Carbon monoxide is classified as what type of gas?

Carbon monoxide is classified as an odorless gas. It is colorless and has no detectable smell, making it particularly hazardous because it can accumulate in enclosed spaces without warning. People often do not realize they are exposed to carbon monoxide until they start experiencing symptoms of poisoning, which can include headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

While carbon monoxide can lead to suffocation in situations where it displaces oxygen in the air, its defining characteristic is that it cannot be detected by smell, sound, or sight, which makes recognizing its presence difficult. The term "suffocating gas" often refers to gases that can impair breathing, but this doesn’t capture the critical aspect of carbon monoxide being odorless, which is essential for understanding its dangers in various environments.