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Although the detection of dangerous gases is now a common feature in households, workplaces, and public buildings, many people still struggle to understand the difference between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Despite these dangerous gases having similar names and some properties, and both being deadly poisonous to humans, they are entirely different gases, and confusing them poses a significant risk to your health and life.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), formerly known as carbonic acid gas, is primarily produced during respiration and other biochemical processes. It is produced by photosynthesizing plants and microorganisms and is also generated during combustion. It is thus a natural component of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, which is why it tends to stay close to the ground. In households, its concentration dangerously increases usually due to insufficient ventilation in small rooms with a higher number of people, animals, and plants (so-called stale air). Therefore, regular ventilation of the space is very important, either naturally (by opening windows) or through modern solutions such as controlled ventilation systems with heat recovery.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is naturally present in the atmosphere only in trace amounts. It is mainly produced by incomplete combustion, which occurs when there is not enough oxygen supplied to the flame. In households, this phenomenon is most often caused by poor chimney draft (blockage or clogging) or faulty sealing or other defects in gas appliances. Incomplete combustion also occurs if the combustion temperature is too low (smouldering fire) or the combustion time is too short. Sources of carbon monoxide also include combustion engines, cigarette smoke, and various industrial sectors. It is slightly lighter than air, so it disperses in the air, but its concentration is usually higher near the ceiling.
Other poisonous gases for humans include nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide. However, the occurrence of these gases in the common atmosphere is minimal. Sulfur dioxide is a volcanic gas and is produced during volcanic activity, while nitric oxide is paradoxically an important component of the human body and oxidizes to nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere.
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Boilers, fireplaces, and stoves pose a risk of increased CO and CO2 concentration in households.
Both of these poisonous gases are particularly insidious because they are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Humans cannot detect them with their senses. Dangerous concentrations can only be detected in time with properly installed gas detectors. So, what is the limit concentration of CO2 and CO?
The natural concentration of carbon dioxide in outdoor air is 0.04%. At CO2 levels in the air around 5-10%, this gas causes unconsciousness, and concentrations above 20% lead to death. In the Czech Republic, the limit inside buildings is set at 0.15% or 1500 ppm CO2.
The natural concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere is around 0-10 ppm, but in households with gas boilers and in urban areas, this value can be up to 200 ppm. The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning appear at concentrations around 200 ppm, and life-threatening concentrations are above 400 ppm.
CO chemically binds to hemoglobin, displacing oxygen in the process. Hemoglobin then converts to carboxyhemoglobin and no longer carries oxygen throughout the body. The person then suffocates. CO2 is not poisonous, but it is unbreathable for humans. The first symptoms of the effects of CO2 and CO on the body are non-specific – the most common include lethargy, headache, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. This can lead to death or irreversible damage to vital organs.
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The first symptoms of gas poisoning are non-specific, including fatigue and headache.
Carbon dioxide in a typical household does not reach life-threatening concentrations but can cause health issues and significant discomfort. Carbon monoxide is much more dangerous to humans, as its concentration can increase rapidly and unnoticed in households, leading to poisoning. In carbon monoxide poisoning, initial symptoms escalate, skin and mucous membranes turn red, the affected person falls unconscious, and internal suffocation occurs. Internal suffocation refers to a state where a person can breathe, oxygen reaches the lungs, but its transfer to tissues is disrupted. It is a life-threatening condition, similar to external suffocation.
To ensure safety from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide poisoning, it is essential to follow three steps: prevention, detection, and knowledge of emergency procedures.
For both gases, it is crucial to ensure adequate ventilation. Regular ventilation reduces CO2 concentration and improves air quality, but most importantly, it ensures sufficient oxygen supply to flames, reducing the risk of CO formation.
Essential prevention also includes regular inspections of gas appliances, boilers, and chimneys. Inspections are legally required at least once a year.
Gas leak detectors are the only truly effective way to detect gas leaks. Despite adequate ventilation and regular appliance inspections, the risk of increased CO and CO2 concentration can never be completely ruled out. Since these gases cannot be detected by the senses, it is essential to rely on reliable alarms.
If you have a fireplace, stove, boiler, or any other gas appliances at home, a carbon monoxide detector is an absolutely essential part of a safe household. Choose CO detectors from established manufacturers, as unbranded and cheap products can be highly unreliable. Carbon monoxide detectors are placed near the ceiling.
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Honeywell carbon monoxide detector.
CO2 alarms help you monitor air quality in the home. As mentioned, under normal conditions, this gas cannot reach concentrations that would cause severe poisoning, but it can cause health issues such as sleep problems, headaches, fatigue, etc. CO2 detectors and sensors are placed approximately at eye level.
First aid in the event of increased CO2 concentration in a room involves ventilating and taking the affected person to fresh air. In the case of CO poisoning, the procedure is more complex because the rescuer could also be poisoned while carrying the affected person. Therefore, it is essential not to breathe during the rescue, even through a mask or other respiratory protection. Even one breath could have fatal consequences!
If the affected person does not breathe even after being taken to fresh air, start resuscitation and immediately call emergency services.
The law mandates carbon monoxide detection only for specific types of spaces, such as parking garages and underground garages. There is also a requirement to detect this poisonous gas in all workplaces where there is a risk of increased concentration, such as incinerators – every employer is obliged to ensure workplace safety and employee health protection, with risks assessed individually.
In households, this obligation does not exist, but the installation of CO detectors is strongly recommended in all homes with fireplaces, stoves, or gas appliances and boilers. The law further stipulates certain mandatory prevention steps for CO formation in households. These include regular inspections and cleaning of gas appliances and flue paths. According to the current decree, inspections and maintenance should be carried out once a year, always before the heating season. For solid and liquid fuels and boilers with an output of over 50 kW, the frequency of flue path cleaning increases to 2-3 times a year.
Regarding carbon dioxide detection, again, every employer must ensure workplace safety for their employees. Dangerous concentrations of carbon dioxide occur, for example, in breweries and wine cellars, greenhouses, incinerators, boiler rooms, shafts, etc. In these cases, CO2 detection is mandatory.
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