Carbon Oxides

Carbon forms two important gases with oxygen: carbon monoxide, CO, and carbon dioxide, CO₂. Carbon oxides are important components of the atmosphere, and they are parts of the carbon cycle.

Carbon dioxide is naturally produced by respiration and metabolism, and consumed by plants in their photosynthesis. Since the industrial revolution, greater amount of carbon dioxide has been generated for over a hundred years due to increased industrial activities.

Today, information on carbon oxides is important. Issues related to carbon oxides have no boundaries. The Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CADIAC) provides global datasets on carbon dioxide and other atmosphere gases and climate. These datasets are available to international researchers, policymakers, managers, and educators to help evaluate complex environmental issues associated with potential climate change.

Carbon monoxide is also a national and global concern. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers CO a senseless killer, and it provides information on CO poisoning and detection.