Haunted houses, ghosts or apparitions - these are all elements of a good horror novel or horror movie. In the pages of reality, these phenomena are associated with something unknown, mysterious, and often supernatural. It turns out, however, that scientists propose a completely mundane explanation - carbon monoxide.
For example, a family who moved into a house with a haunting story in 1921 reported a strange feeling as if someone was watching them. Soon the children began to get sick and lost interest in playing. Only after some time it was discovered that the cause of these phenomena was a gas leak from the furnace, which resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning.
A similar case was described by the writer Carrie Poppy. She felt the presence of the "evil spirit", heard strange noises, and felt pressure on her chest. As it turned out, it was also the result of a carbon monoxide leak.
Scientists believe that carbon monoxide and other poisonings may be responsible for many haunting stories, especially those from the Victorian era. Long-term exposure to this gas, even in small doses, can lead to hallucinations and other distressing symptoms.
Of course, it doesn't always have to be carbon monoxide poisoning. Other causes may include pranks, hallucinations during sleep paralysis, as well as ordinary nightmares. However, scientists admit that about 8% of reported hauntings cannot be explained by any known natural phenomena. They therefore remain an "unsolved problem" for now.
Either way, this hypothesis of a link between the appearance of ghosts and carbon monoxide poisoning shows how science can shed new light on ancient mysteries that until now seemed unsolvable. Instead of leading us into the unknown, these phenomena can now draw attention to real threats such as gas leaks.
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