Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.
CO is caused by the combustion process and is actually unburned fuel that, if reignited, will burn and produce more heat. The ignition temperature for CO is 1,128°F. If the CO is in the proper concretion, it can cause an explosion.