Under normal conditions, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Its physical properties indicate that it is insoluble in water but readily soluble in ammonia. Furthermore, carbon monoxide is flammable and explosive. When its concentration in the air reaches 12.5%, it can explode. Furthermore, it is toxic.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, commonly known as “gas poisoning,” is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances. It enters the human body through the respiratory tract and causes poisoning. Winter is a peak season for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is essentially a process that causes oxygen deprivation. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, depriving it of its oxygen transport capacity. This leads to hypoxia, disrupting the normal functioning of various body systems and causing serious harm.
Industries Exposed to Carbon Monoxide Operations
Carbon monoxide operations are widespread across multiple industries, primarily including:
– Coking and metal smelting processes in the metallurgical industry;
– Casting and forging processes in the machinery industry;
– Blasting operations in mining;
– Industries using carbon monoxide as a chemical raw material to produce products such as phosgene, methanol, formaldehyde, synthetic ammonia, and acetone;
– Industries using kilns and gas generators in the refractory, glass, ceramic, and building materials industries.
What activities are likely to cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
– Burning charcoal: Activities like burning charcoal for heating and cooking hot pot over charcoal can easily result in incomplete combustion, which can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. Poor ventilation can also make carbon monoxide poisoning more likely.
– Using gas water heaters: Many homes install gas water heaters in the bathroom. If the gas doesn’t burn fully and the water is left in use for extended periods, carbon monoxide will accumulate. Furthermore, when it’s cold, people tend to keep windows closed, which can easily lead to poisoning.
– Sleeping in a car with the AC on: When a car engine is idling, the gasoline is not fully burned, producing large amounts of exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide. This exhaust gas enters the car through the air conditioning vents, easily poisoning people inside.
Misconceptions about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In fact, any carbon-containing fuel, when oxygen is deprived and combustion is incomplete, will produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. This risk exists whether you are burning gasoline, kerosene, ordinary charcoal, or so-called “eco-friendly charcoal.”
Carbon monoxide itself is colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect. However, if the doors and windows are closed, creating a confined space, people inside are very susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. When using charcoal for heating at home, be sure to extinguish it and move it outside before going to bed.
The specific gravity of air is 1, and the specific gravity of carbon monoxide is 0.967. If the gaps between doors and windows are low, carbon monoxide won’t be easily expelled outside.
If strong winds cause smoke backflow or the chimney is blocked, carbon monoxide can’t be expelled or the amount expelled can be very small, which can still cause poisoning. Furthermore, many homes use outdated scoops, or scoops that are too small or not installed at the right height, which can hinder carbon monoxide expulsion and lead to poisoning.
Scientifically, it has been proven that carbon monoxide is extremely insoluble in water, so placing water near the stove won’t prevent poisoning.
For patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, especially those in a coma, forcing vinegar or sauerkraut soup into their mouths can easily cause choking, blocking alveolar gas exchange, worsening their condition, and possibly even causing death.
First aid for carbon monoxide poisoning
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
