2. CARBON MONOXIDE [CO]
• Air polluter
• Colourless, unscented, bland and highly toxic gas.
• Weighs less than air.
• Released through combustion procedures.
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3. SOURCES
• Natural: volcanoes, coal mines, marshes and forest fires.
• Power: industries, steel plants, foundries, chemicals and oil
refineries.
• Human: fossil fuel combustion – gasoline, diesel, kerosene, natural
gas, wood, coal and charcoal.
• Blocked, broken or leaking chimneys enable entrance of CO.
• Vehicles, stoves, heaters, tobacco, generators and fire places.
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4. EXPOSURE
• Industrial workers – due to combustion processes.
• Household occupants – due to operation of heaters, vehicles,
generators and cooking ranges.
• Farmers – due to outdated tractors.
• Animals and birds – due to CO concentrations in the atmosphere.
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5. IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
• Nausea
• Vomit
• Head ache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Depression
• Confusion
• Nervous system damage
•
• Disorientation
• Aching muscles
• Sleepiness
• Impaired reasoning
• Paralysis
• Coma
• Death
• Low birth weight
• Foetal mortality
•
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6. EXAMPLES
• Logen Square Building, Chicago: 7 people were hospitalized due to
CO poisoning.
• Boston: Teenager died from CO poisoning. A man in twenties died
in his car due to snow-buildup in tailpipe which causes CO to
accumulate. 2 children hospitalized. Other of ages 5 and 8 were
rushed into emergency due to CO poisoning.
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7. Continued...
• Cornwall, UK: Elderly couple and daughter died as a result of CO
poisoning at a caravan site in Tremark Park.
• Long Island, New York: Michelle Bracco died after using generator
owing to a power failure following Superstorm Sandy.
• Newark, New Jersey: 2 teenagers died owing to exposure to CO
from a generator.
• Pennsylvania: 4 people died from generator fumes.
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8. Environmental implications
• CO increases methane concentration which oxidizes in carbon
dioxide
• Increases greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
• Interaction with Ultra-violet radiation produces ozone and smog
which devastate infrastructure and crops.
• Puts wildlife at risk
• In humans, it reduces supply of oxygen to tissues, organs and
central nervous system.
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9. EXAMPLES
• BBC: world average of CO is 4000 kg per person per year
• In UK alone, it amounts to 10,000 kg per person per year.
• In 2006, Qatar was ranked at the top for releasing the highest
amount of CO – 56.2 tonnes per capita.
• UAE stood second at 32.8 tonnes per capita and U.S.A ranked third
at 19.0 tonnes per capita.
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10. RISK MANAGEMENT
• Inspect and preserve fuel-burning appliances. Have them checked
regularly by a professional for signs of rust or damage.
• Thoroughly go through instructor manuals to ensure correct
operation of appliances.
• Avoid using outdoor appliances, such as BBQ grills, inside homes. CO
may become concentrated.
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11. Continued...
• Use CO detectors. They detect long- and short-term CO
concentrations. They should be installed in homes.
• Install exhaust fans to vent gas from heaters and stoves.
• Do not leave the car inside the garage for long periods.
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12. Overview
• CO definition
• Sources of CO
• Who is exposed
• Impacts on human health
• Examples of impacts on human health
• Environmental implications
• Examples of effects on environment
• Risk Management
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![CARBON MONOXIDE [CO]
• Air polluter
• Colourless, unscented, bland and highly toxic gas.
• Weighs less than air.
• Released through combustion procedures.
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