Description
Carbon Monoxide
Introduction of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a gas that comes from the unfinished combustion of Carbonaceous materials (wood, fuel, gasoline, natural gas, propane, oil, coal, etc.). Its density, almost equivalent to that of the air, allows it to diffuse rapidly in the form of a particularly toxic mixture.
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, flavourless and non-irritating gas under normal temperature and pressure conditions.
Use of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide is currently used in many industries:
- Metallurgy: nickel extraction and refining, production of special steels, and the manufacture of high purity products…;
- Chemical industry: the synthesis of many compounds…;
- Electronic sector: the etching ablation process…
Risks of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is particularly toxic to humans. Furthermore, its toxicity is proven from 20 ppm over 8 h or 100 ppm over 15 min of exposure. It is also highly flammable. In fact, it ignites quickly in the presence of a spark, a source of static electricity, an open flame, or any other source of ignition.
The dangers related to Carbon Monoxide
- Intoxication that can lead to death;
- Asphyxiation;
- Fire;
- Explosion.