Oxygen - O2
Find here the essential information on dioxygen (O2) or oxygen: characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - O2 monitor or rather oxygen depletion sensor - and respiratory protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirator).
Oxygen properties (O2)
Dioxygen (O2) - which is most commonly known as oxygen – is a gas naturally present in the atmosphere at around 20%. It is essential to almost any form of life on Earth. This highly reactive gas can easily produce compounds (particularly oxides) from elements except for noble gases like helium or neon.
| CAS | LSE / LSE | TWA / STEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215-629-8 | - | - | 12.1 eV | 1.43 | SCBA |
Oxygen effects on health
Oxygen (O2) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that composes breathing air at 10.9%. In contrast to the great majority of gases, the lower the oxygen (O2) concentration is, the higher are the risks for health. In the medicine field, O2 is inhaled primarily in case of asphyxia, intoxication to carbon monoxide, or to treat acute pulmonary edema… This gas is not measured in ppm but in % volume.
Effects of oxygen levels (O2) on health
Oxygen gas O2 monitor
As oxygen is colorless and odorless, this gas cannot be detected without proper equipment. Only an O2 monitor (oxygen depletion sensor such as a portable 4-gas detector) can accurately measure concentrations of oxygen in the air. Thus it is recommended to use an oxygen detection device in % volume.
For calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, oxygen calibration gas cylinders are available.
Poorly oxygenated area respiratory protective equipment - O2
As any air purifying respiratory protective device is inefficient in case of oxygen deficiency, it is advised to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus or a supplied air respirator for long-term interventions.