Critically examine these 2 scenarios and explain the biochemical rationale of the smoke from the Generator and the charcoal?

Question

Joseph bought a 3.5KVA Generator after retirement, out of joy he kept the Gen in the kitchen and at 8 am the next morning he and his family of 7 were found dead. Similarly, a close family of Joseph used firewood in the kitchen for cooking and the smoke from the kitchen woke everyone from their sleep.

Critically examine these 2 scenarios and explain the biochemical rationale of the smoke from the Generator and the charcoal?

Answer 1

In the first scenario, Joseph and his family died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Within the body, the carbon monoxide molecule outcompetes oxygen, which normally oxidizes the iron within the heme molecule. The hemoglobin formed is called carboxyhemoglobin. Essentially, the entire family suffocated since oxygen was no longer transported to their tissues.

In the second scenario, the carbon dioxide likely triggered chemoreceptors within the medulla oblongata in the brain. Dissolved carbon dioxide decreased the blood pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis. To compensate, the body would increase respiration to oxygenate the tissues, raise blood pH, and excrete carbon dioxide.