Detect Airborne Hazards Using ChemSee Dosimeters

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas with an affinity for hemoglobin 210 times that of oxygen. By combining with the hemoglobin, it renders it incapable of carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The effect on the body is therefore predominantly one of asphyxia. Because the carbon monoxide is odorless and is absorbed readily by the body, it poses severe health risks. Carbon monoxide is present in vast amounts in our environment, mainly because it is produced during fuel combustion. Burning of natural gas, LPG gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, oil or coal produces CO since the combustion is incomplete. Therefore, you may find CO in homes and in smoky rooms as well as on the highway. The permissible exposure limits are 50 ppm as measured for 8-hour exposure or 400 ppm as a 15-minute short-term exposure limit. The action level is 25 ppm. The ability to monitor carbon monoxide exposure is quite clearly of paramount importance in any program to control this hazard.