Basic Facts
What is Carbon Monoxide?
a) an element from the periodic table
b) a poisonous gas
c) an ionic compound
d) a gas used in cooking and heating appliances
b) a poisonous gas
What is the scientific term for lack of oxygen or when carbon monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin called?
Carboxyhemoglobin
Long term exposure to carbon monoxide would cause...
heart disease, damage to the nervous system
What branch of science and technology is carbon monoxide used in?
Metallurgy
List the three main categories I emphasized on for personal protective equipment, and give an example in each.
Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses/goggles
Skin Protection: Gloves, aprons, boots
Respiratory Protection: Supplied-air respirator (gas mask)
True or false?: Carbon Monoxide is a easily detectable gas.
False, it's hard to detect which is why we install carbon monoxide detectors in our houses.
Through which ways can carbon monoxide affect a person?
- Inhalation
- Skin Contact
- Eye Contact
- Chronic Exposure (To some degree)
- Teratogenicity/Embryotoxicity
How will carbon monoxide affect the reproduction of female species/animals?
For female species, it will cause low birth-rates, and nervous system damage to the offspring as well
It is used in metallurgy, _________ ___, and for medical purposes. What goes in the blank?
Calibration gas
Explain about one of the following options below, and say how it helps reduce risks: Catalytic Converters, Ventilation, Regular Maintenance, or Reducing Pollution
Catalytic Converters: They are devices commonly found in vehicles, and in industrial settings which convert carbon monoxide into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, and water.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is necessary especially in areas where combustion could occur to eliminate any possible buildup of carbon monoxide.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintaining heating systems, and other combustion equipment to ensure, and prevent any other excessive carbon monoxide emissions.
Reducing Pollution: Reducing pollution such as food waste can reduce greenhouse gases which indirectly reduces the concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere as well.
Fill in the blanks. Carbon monoxide can be released naturally, and through _________ ___________.
Fill in the blanks. Carbon monoxide can be released naturally, or from man-made products.
What may be the benefits of carbon monoxide in human health?
Studies in cells and animals have shown that carbon monoxide can suppress inflammation, protect tissues from oxidative stress and prevent cell death.
How does carbon monoxide affect the ecosystem? Specifically the climate/weather?
This causes extreme changes within the ecosystem such as land, and sea temperature increasing as well as storm activities, and other extreme weather events to occur
How is it useful for metal refining?
In metal refining, CO can be captured from industrial emissions and can be reused instead of being wasted. It is a part of a synthesis gas, which is a clean alternative to burning fossil fuels since it releases less greenhouse emissions.
What should one do if liquefied carbon monoxide enters one's eyes
- Washed with gentle flowing water for atleast 15 minutes
- Both eyes should be covered with sterile dressing
- DO NOT attempt to rewarm on sight
- Not drink alcohol or smoke
- Seek immediate medical treatment
Name one physical quality of Carbon Monoxide.
Colorless, odorless, tasteless, gas.
How does inhaling carbon monoxide damage the cells?
The red blood cells get deformed due to the lack of oxygen gas being transported through chain alpha, and beta.
Along with volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen monoxide, what does carbon monoxide do?
Contributes to creating ground-level ozone
How is it used in manufacturing?
In manufacturing It is used to create other chemicals, including methanol, which is used to make fuel and solvents, and phosgene, an industrial chemical used to make pesticides and plastics. It is also used in some lasers that cut glass.
What should one do if they inhaled carbon monoxide?
- Take precautions to prevent a fire such as removing sources of ignition
- Victim must be moved to fresh air
- If breathing is difficult a trained personnel should administer emergency oxygen
- If heart stopped, CPR or AED should be done by a trained personnel
- Should seek medical attention
How is Carbon Monoxide produced?
By the carbon in the incomplete burning of fuels, binding with oxygen.
Explain how carbon monoxide affects one's heart?
Carbon monoxide enters into the bloodstream binding with hemoglobin, the protein delivered to red blood cells, and creates nitrogen oxide which reacts with oxygen gas creating peroxynitrite that prevents mitochondria from giving energy to these cells. This in turn damages tissues and increases cell death, limiting the availability of oxygen gas to reach certain parts of the heart.
How are animals affected by very high levels of carbon monoxide?
Very high levels of carbon monoxide would cause the same problems experienced by humans to birds and animals as well. At very high levels it would cause illness, fatigue, and gastric upset for animals.
How is it used in food preservation?
In food preserving, carbon monoxide prevents oxidation by binding to molecules such as myoglobin, in meat. Due to the new compound made from carbon and the protein, it stops oxygen from binding; overall preserving the food’s color.
What should one do if they come in contact with liquefied carbon monoxide?
- Victim should be quickly removed from source of contamination
- DO NOT attempt to rewarm on sight
- Area should not be rubbed, flushed with water, or applied heat directly
- Remove clothing or jewelry that restrict circulation
- Cut around clothing that sticks to the skin
- Cover affected area with sterile dressing
- Frozen clothing should not be removed from frostbitten areas
- Should not drink alcohol or smoke
- Seek medical treatment immediately