Molly Shackelford, age 72, of Tulsa, Okla., for her question:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARBON DIOXIDE AND MONOXIDE?

Carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. Human beings and animals inhale oxygen and exhale the carbon dioxide that is produced by burning food in their bodies.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and extremely poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide results when fuels containing carbon, such as coal or oil, burn in stoves or furnaces that do not contain enough oxygen. Auto engines also make deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

Carbon dioxide is released by baking powder or yeast and is what makes cakes rise in an oven. It also produces the fizz in soft drinks and is used in some fire extinguishers.

Carbon monoxide is used in some industries to provide heat for manufacturing processes