How does carbon monoxide affect physical performance?

Carbon monoxide primarily affects physical performance by its ability to bind with hemoglobin in the blood, which significantly reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it competes with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. This results in a decreased amount of oxygen available to be delivered to tissues and organs, which is critical during physical exertion.

By inhibiting the release of oxygen where it is most needed – in the muscles during physical activity – carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased endurance, and impaired overall physical performance. Thus, the relationship between carbon monoxide exposure and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues clearly explains why this factor is detrimental in the context of athletic performance.

In contrast, enhancing energy levels, increasing blood oxygen levels, and improving cardiovascular health do not accurately reflect the impacts of carbon monoxide exposure, as these would imply beneficial outcomes that are not supported by the physiological effects of carbon monoxide in the human body.