How much more likely is carbon monoxide to bind to hemoglobin than oxygen?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is significantly more likely to bind to hemoglobin than oxygen (O2) due to the molecular characteristics of CO and how it interacts with hemoglobin. In fact, carbon monoxide can bind to hemoglobin with an affinity that is approximately 200 times greater than that of oxygen. This strong affinity means that even small concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air can displace oxygen from hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and potentially causing serious physiological effects including hypoxia. Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots and anyone involved in aviation, as even low levels of carbon monoxide exposure can pose a serious risk to flight safety.