Whether you need a CO2 gas monitor or CO gas detector depends on your industry and the gas present creating a potential workplace hazard. The disparity between the two chemicals is more than the simple presence of a single oxygen atom, and some of those properties can have an impact on employee safety. Chemical Differences CO2 and CO are similar in that they both feature bonds between carbon atoms and oxygen atoms. However, carbon monoxide features a molecule consisting of one carbon atom bonded to one oxygen atom in a triple covalent bond.
Carbon dioxide features a carbon atom bonded with two oxygen atoms with a regular covalent bond to form a molecule. Carbon dioxide is produced when complete combustion occurs.
That means that a hydrocarbon is involved in a chemical reaction with water, and the result is a carbon dioxide molecule and a water molecule. Where It Occurs Another difference between the two chemical compounds is their natural occurrence. Once created, it can accumulate in enclosed spaces and remain there for some time if not vented.
Physical Properties Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide do share some common physical properties, though with two notable differences. Both gases are invisible, colorless, odorless, and tasteless. However, the primary difference in physical properties is that carbon dioxide is nonflammable.
They are often understandably mistaken as the same gas, however, the distinction between them is crucial when it comes to gas sensing. Carbon Dioxide CO2 is a chemical compound consisting of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. CO2 enters the atmosphere through the respiration of organisms, the decomposition of organic matter, the burning of fossil fuels and fermentation.
Some of the main uses of CO2 include freezing food, carbonating beverages, extinguishing fires, and various uses in agricultural and medical applications. Find out more about carbon dioxide. Carbon Monoxide CO is a chemical compound which contains one carbon atom and one oxygen atom and is also a colourless and odourless gas.
Unlike CO2, it is entirely human-made and is not naturally present in the atmosphere. It is produced during the incomplete burning of organic matter, which can occur from motor vehicles, heaters, or cooking equipment that run on carbon-based fuels.
CO is therefore spatially variable and short lived in the atmosphere, where it has a role in forming ozone at a ground level. When carbon monoxide is present in concentrations greater than 35 ppm it is toxic to humans and animals, as it prevents the blood from carrying oxygen.
Carbon dioxide occurs naturally in the atmosphere. Poisoning from carbon dioxide is rare and if it does happen the gas targets the respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is created when there is incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, oil, coal, and natural gas. Carbon monoxide does not occur naturally in the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas. When areas are not properly ventilated carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:. Carbon monoxide poisoning sets in very quickly and often leads to death if not treated immediately. The key difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is that carbon monoxide is a fatal gas when not recognized and treated while carbon dioxide is naturally occurring and does not generally pose a threat.
Carbon monoxide is tricky because symptoms are ambiguous such that they can be related to a vast variety of other causes.
0コメント