Carbon dioxide - CO2
Find here the essential information on carbon dioxide - or carbonic gas - (CO2): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - CO2 detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus or air supplying respirator).
Carbon dioxide (CO2) properties
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – also called carbonic gas – is naturally present in the atmosphere at low concentrations (400 ppm). Essential for photosynthesis, it can be found in greenhouses to enhance plant growth. CO2 is widely used under its different states: as a cooling block when solid, in brewery and wine growing industries when gaseous and for firefighting under its liquid state.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Fliter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124-38-9 | 5 000 ppm | - | - | 13.77 eV | 1.53 | SCBA |
Carbon dioxide effects on health
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is odorless and colorless. It is involved in the greenhouse effect phenomenon as is absorbs infrared spectrum. This gas is neither toxic, nor explosive and its major hazard remains its asphyxiating properties. Heavier than air, it replaces oxygen in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas (tanks, sewers, manholes…). Moreover, as it is not detectable without proper equipment, this gas is highly dangerous for health.
Carbon dioxide effects on health (CO2)