About Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas
Carbon monoxide (Co) is a flammable gas that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Moreover, It is the most frequent and dangerous gas found in both indoor and outdoor settings. Hence, Humans are unable to smell this gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by prolonged exposure to this gas at high levels. Furthermore, We can only discover and avoid any disasters caused by this toxic gas by co-monitoring. It is created both artificially and naturally. CO, on the other hand, is naturally present in the atmosphere but in extremely small amounts. On the other hand, it is naturally present in the atmosphere but in extremely small amounts.
Where does CO come from?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous toxic gas, and poisonous if inhaled in larger quantities. Because it can be released through various anthropogenic sources but CO can exist in the natural environment as well.
Natural Sources:
1. Volcanic eruption
3. Forest fires
4. Natural gases released
from coal mines
Manmade Sources:
1. Combustion by commercial as
well as airplanes, tractor, truck, etc.
2. Industries working at high
temperatures and using carbon
compounds as raw products.
3. Metal Manufacturing
4. Electricity supply
5. Smoking
6. Burning waste
7. Power plants
8. Extraction of gas
from sea or land
Health & Environmental Impacts of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas
CO levels in the atmosphere are generally normal, and they are unlikely to harm you. When these levels rise in an indoor or outdoor setting, various health risks to both people and the environment arise.
Lets find out the harmful effects of carbon monoxide (CO) gas on our health.
CO is one of the most toxic gases in the environment. Because it harms humans. The most prevalent and harmful health impact is that it interacts with hemoglobin. As by preventing oxygen from reacting with hemoglobin and being transferred to the bodys many organs. Hence, resulting in organ failure.
It is especially dangerous for heart patients. Since, it causes a lack of oxygen in the body. Hence, It makes us feel sick, and one of the most common symptoms is vomiting. Furthermore, CO poisoning can also cause the flu. If not treated promptly, it can result in coma and, in rare circumstances, death due to the severe range of effects on the body.
Flu, Nausea
Fatigue
Headache
Chest Pain
| Carbon Monoxide | |
| Govt. Body | Breakpoints |
| India | 0.0-27 -> Good |
| EPA | 0.0-4.4 -> Good |
| Carbon Monoxide Standards | |
| California | 8hrs - 9 PPM |
| AAQS | 1 hour - 20 PPM |
| WHO | 24hrs - 3.5 PPM |
Carbon Monoxide (CO) and the harm it causes
CO Levels and their health effects
0-1.0 (mg/m3)
1.1-2.0(mg/m3)
2.1-10(mg/m3)
10-17(mg/m3)
17-34(mg/m3)
34+(mg/m3)
Corrective Measures To Reduce Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas
CO cannot be readily eradicated with air purifiers or other ways. Thus corrective measures are the only option to avoid any exposure in real life. The only way to discover and avoid problems is to monitor them. To decrease exposure and generation of this hazardous gas, preventive measures must be performed.
Some of the measures are mentioned below;
– Ventilation: A well-ventilated room is the easiest and most effective way to tackle CO pollution. Because ventilation not only reduces the concentration of CO. It also increases fresh air in the room.
– Public transport: By using public transport we can easily reduce our carbon footprint and hence CO production.
– Alternate fuels: new power sources like hydrogen fuel cars or electric cars are good alternatives to traditional fuel cars. Because they help reduce emission pollution from these cars.
– Non-fuel alternatives: Using cycles or other alternatives can be effective in keeping a check on the pollution
– Recycling rather than burning waste is an option for reducing CO pollution in the surrounding.
Air quality monitor to measure CO
