Carbon monoxide has been an environmental problem since cavemen started fires in poorly ventilated caves. These cavemen would learn painfully about the environmental and health problems that arise from burning and inhaling carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, tasteless and odorless gas caused by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. In general, carbon monoxide has a short lifespan because when it enters the atmosphere, it oxidizes and becomes carbon dioxide (CO2). Atmospheric CO concentrations increase during the winter months due to the use of heating systems. Chemically, it is very rare for carbon to break down into carbon and oxygen due to its very short bond length, only 0.111 nanometers. The link is therefore very strong. Carbon monoxide has three resonance structures that include partial triple bond character (CO, C=O, C triple bond O). Since combustion has become part of the functioning of society, carbon monoxide has been present in the atmosphere. However, before the start of the Industrial Revolution, carbon monoxide emissions were so low that Earth was able to manage and regulate the molecules. However, with the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 20th century, carbon monoxide emissions steadily increased to the point where they became a serious threat to the environment and health. Most carbon monoxide comes from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. If complete combustion occurs, the only products should be carbon dioxide, water, and sometimes unaffected nitrogen. However, when hydrocarbons do not burn completely, carbon monoxide is formed and released into the air. Most carbon monoxide comes from internal combustion, the medium of paper, the atmosphere, because carbon monoxide reacts with atmospheric constituents that would otherwise destroy these compounds. In addition to affecting the environment due to atmospheric gases, carbon monoxide generally reacts with oxygen in the air and forms carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide in the air is the main culprit for many environmental problems on earth. Therefore, with increasing carbon monoxide concentrations, carbon dioxide will also increase drastically. Carbon monoxide is also a contributing factor to smog in urban areas; this smog can lead to respiratory problems. Although much has been done to reduce carbon monoxide in the air; new technologies still need to be created to eliminate or reduce the amount of carbon monoxide already in the air. Currently, only preventative technologies are available..