Carbon Monoxide Information

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Carbon Monoxide

Other Names

Carbonic oxide

Chemical Formula

CO

CAS Number

630-08-0

Industry Uses

Machinery, Automotives, Furnaces, Breweries

Health Risks

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, death; Neurological, reproductive, and/or respiratory damage

Vapor Pressure

>35 atm

Water Solubility

Slightly Soluble

Flammability

Extremely Flammable

Odor

None

Carbon Monoxide MSDS

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. It is predominately produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Incomplete combustion occurs when insufficient oxygen is used in the fuel (hydrocarbon) burning process. Consequently, more carbon monoxide than carbon dioxide is emitted. This occurs in vehicle exhausts, fuel-burning furnaces, coal-burning power plants, gasoline engines and generators, power washers, fireplaces, grills, water heaters, and forklifts.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure and Health Risks

Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous. It impedes the blood's ability to carry oxygen to tissues and organs. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin which greatly diminishes its ability to carry oxygen. Hemoglobin's binding affinity for carbon monoxide is 300 times greater than its affinity for oxygen. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are headache, nausea, rapid breathing, exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, and blurry vision. Hypoxia (severe oxygen deficiency) caused by carbon monoxide exposure can result in neurological, reproductive, and respiratory damage that may or may not be reversible. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur very quickly, especially for young children, elderly, people with respiratory diseases, smokers, and people at high altitudes.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately move the victim to fresh air and call 911 for assistance. Carbon monoxide levels may be higher in boiler rooms, garages, breweries, warehouses, refineries, paper and steel production facilities, loading docks, and furnace or oven rooms. Workers in these areas, as well as anyone who works in or near automotive vehicles, should be aware of the risks and symptoms.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Limit/Level

Type

Organization

Not Recommended

AEGL-1 (8 hrs)

EPA

420 ppm

AEGL-2 (10 min)

EPA

27 ppm

AEGL-2 (8 hrs)

EPA

1,700 ppm

AEGL-3 (10 min)

EPA

130 ppm

AEGL-3 (8 hrs)

EPA

35 ppm

TWA (8 hrs)

NIOSH

50 ppm

TWA (8 hrs)

OSHA

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA

Measuring Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is measured in the air by units of parts per million (ppm). Measuring dissolved carbon monoxide levels, especially in areas of high exhaust can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and death. We carry portable and fixed carbon monoxide monitors and kits, and all of our carbon monoxide products can be viewed HERE.


D16
The D16 is a versatile tool designed for gas leak detection, personal safety, spot checking, confined entry, and data logging, and more. It can be used as a portable monitor or as a stationary one that can be set to log data over long periods of time. This customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and is sold with every accessory you may need for fast and accurate portable gas detection. 0-200ppm

D12
The D12 is designed for operation in hazardous areas. Its explosion-proof cast aluminum housing is rated for Class 1, Division 1, Group B, C, D locations and is UL, FM, and CSA certified. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensors to be used on a wide range of toxic and combustible gases. 0-200ppm

F12
The Series F12 Gas Transmitter is an Intrinsically Safe monitor designed for the detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications. 0-100ppm

F12D
The Series F12D Gas Transmitter is designed for detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications. 0-100ppm

B12
The B12 transmitter is a two-wire, 4-29 mA transmitter that is loop-powered to signal linearly proportional to gas concentration. Their electrochemical sensors are designed for use in ambient air or in ventilation ducts. This highly customizable application can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories. 0-100ppm

S200
The Series 200 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It is designed for spot checking, personal exposure monitoring, and leak identification. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.

0-25ppm

0-100ppm

0-1000ppm


S300
The Series 300 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It shares the same features as the S200 with the additions of audible alarms and relay and voltage outputs which allow you to interface with control systems, data loggers, and other equipment. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.

0-25ppm

0-100ppm

0-1000ppm


S500
The Series 500 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It shares the same features as the S200 and S300 with the additions of internal data logging as well as PC connections cables. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.

0-25ppm

0-100ppm

0-1000ppm


S900
The Series 900 fixed gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) designed to operate as a relay controller, gas transmitter, or networked device. It can also monitor temperature and humidity if needed. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.

0-25ppm

0-100ppm

0-1000ppm

BW Solo The Honeywell BW Solo is a portable gas detector with a small, durable design and fast response time. These monitors can be paired with a smartphone using BLE allowing for remote access to multiple devices. This detector can be fitted with a variety of sensors, all of which come with a five-year life expectancy.

0-2000ppm

H2 resistant

Contact us for help choosing the right monitor for your application