CO is formed from the incomplete combustion of the fuel in car engines It occurs when there is not enough O 2 present to form CO2 or when the reaction takes place very quickly For example: 2CH4(g) + 3O2(g) 2CO(g) + 4H2O(g) CO poisoning occurs when CO binds to haemoglobin in the blood, causing asphyxiation Signs of low-level CO poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain and shortness of breath Signs of high-level CO poisoning include vertigo, ataxia, tachycardia, seizures and unconsciousness Carbon Dioxide, CO2(g) CO2 is formed when hydrocarbon fuels are burnt in a sufficient supply of air For example: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + 2H2O(g) CO is also converted into CO 2 by the catalytic converters found in car exhaust systems which oxidise the CO. This is done by reacting CO with NO to form CO2 and N2 with the aim of reducing pollution. The equation is: 2CO(g) + 2NO(g) N2(g) + CO2(g) Low concentrations of CO2 are not harmful In high concentrations, effects are emotional upsets and fatigue. Eventually, nausea, convulsions, coma and even death can result