Dangers of Carbon Dioxide
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced today is significantly more than it was in earlier industrial eras. Yet, most people are unaware of the threats posed by CO2. High levels of carbon dioxide can have numerous harmful effects on human health. In this article, we will explain the harmful effects of CO2, its implications on the brewing industry and the solutions to tackle it.
About Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is the fourth most abundant gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Because it consists of one carbon molecule coupled with two oxygen molecules, carbon dioxide has the chemical formula CO2. At room temperature, CO2 is a non-flammable gas that is tasteless, odourless, and colourless—making it difficult for humans to sense it until overexposure. Yet, CO2 can exist as a liquid or a solid at different pressures and temperatures.
Both natural and human activities result in the production of carbon dioxide. The gas originates from many different sources around the globe. Some of the most common and highest producers of CO2 are fossil fuel combustion, iron and steel production, natural gas refinery systems, and cement manufacturing.
CO2 is used to support life by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Since humans and other animals rely on plants for sustenance and plants require CO2 for photosynthesis, CO2 is essential for the existence of life on earth.
Hazardous Levels of Carbon dioxide
Carbon Dioxide makes up about 0.04% of the entire amount of airborne gases. Even a minor leak in a CO2 tank or cylinder may quickly raise CO2 levels to 3-5% of air, which can be fatal in an enclosed space.
Due to the lack of fresh air, indoor spaces are particularly vulnerable to high CO2 levels. Even a low concentration of CO2, such as 0.5% (5000 ppm), can be hazardous. When numerous people occupy poorly ventilated, tiny spaces, the risk of elevated CO2 levels is inevitable. It is due to the CO2 produced by human breathing, which builds up over time and has nowhere to go. The first noticeable effects of inhaling CO2 at high concentrations will be dizziness and poor respiration with eye and throat irritation. It could then develop into severe headaches and could eventually cause the risk of asphyxiation or death.
High CO2 concentration has a significant impact on human productivity. According to research from the Harvard School of Public Health, cognitive capacities are reduced by 21% when CO2 levels are above 400 ppm and are impaired by 50% when CO2 concentration is about 1400 ppm.
Continuous exposure to CO2 can also damage a person’s metabolism and bone density. The consequences depend on the gas concentration at the time of exposure.
Dangers of Carbon Dioxide In Industries
Industrially speaking, CO2 is a versatile material. From being an inert gas in fire extinguishers to acting as a pressurising gas in oil recovery, CO2 has a vast scope of operations. However, the notion that CO2 can kill a person through asphyxiation or as an inhalation toxin is often overlooked.
Industries like breweries have a unique set of challenges when it comes to workplace CO2. Although carbon dioxide is a byproduct and an essential component of the brewing process, it poses a risk to those who operate in the brewing sector.
Normal indoor CO2 levels range from 400 to 800 ppm, but in the event of a CO2 system leak, they can quickly rise to 50,000 ppm. This amount surpasses the 30,000 ppm evacuation threshold of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA). Since breweries contain confined areas that specifically contain CO2, workers of specific activities like cleaning fermentation tanks, controlling yeast disposal, and working in coolers, may run the risk of harm.
The carbon dioxide gas pipes installed throughout the brewery could also pose a problem. Although CO2 tank or cylinder leaks are uncommon, gas manifold tubing may have loose connections or sustain inadvertent damage.
Solution — CO2 Monitors
You can choose between two types of gas detectors: fixed and portable. A fixed system consists of various heads connected to a control panel. The associated extractor fans are promptly activated in the event of a gas level surge and additional safety measures, such as sirens and alarms, can be used to alert adjacent employees to leave the area.
A CO2 monitor should be used to determine whether the CO2 concentration is within the allowed range. In such cases, only a trained person should conduct the evaluation, which is often carried out by taking the portable monitor into the concerned area for a specified period. It is essential to ensure that the monitor has been tested and calibrated before usage.
The audio and visual alarms will go off immediately once the CO2 levels increase outside the predetermined limits set by the user. The primary alarm will trigger within 1 to 2% of CO2 volume of 0.5%, according to industry standards. To avoid triggering too frequently while yet keeping the user secure, the settings can be tuned based on the user’s preferences.
Quantum Scientific has a wide range of fixed and portable CO2 monitors that can keep your workplace safe.
Click here to see which one would suit your institution the best.
Benefits of Carbon dioxide Monitors
Benefits of Carbon dioxide Monitors
CO2 is not a hazardous gas at normal levels. Unless you operate in a facility with a high concentration of CO2, such as a laboratory, university, or brewery, you need not be concerned about it. For those who live or work in tight spaces or routinely handle compressed CO2 cylinders, however, CO2 can be dangerous. Thus, the installation of a reliable CO2 monitor becomes crucial.
It is strongly advised to use CO2 monitoring systems in offices, labs, institutions, and other public spaces. Through monitors, you can track the CO2 levels in your surroundings with ease. If the concentration exceeds, the monitor will alert you to take the appropriate action. Via CO2 monitoring systems, you can automate the ventilation process and set a permanent ventilation plan, which will completely safeguard you from gas-related hazards.
How To Choose A CO2 Monitor
Before choosing the right monitor for your enterprise, consider the following:
- Location
- Fixed or Portable Detector?
- Installation
- Prerequisites
- Battery/Warranty Demands
- Pricing
Pick a CO2 monitor based on your space for the installation. Considering the location will help you decide if you need a fixed or portable type of monitor. A compact device is more suited for confined spaces that require monitoring. Since they might not be able to handle a fixed CO2 monitor, a portable monitor might be best.
A user-friendly interface would make it simple and reduce hazards in the workplace. Various monitors support different sensor combinations, and our product category includes several characteristics that are considered the industry-best.
CO2 monitors are crucial for workplace safety; do not compromise on quality. Make sure you install a high-quality detector that is both dependable and long-lasting. In dire situations, ensure that only authorised personnel enter the dangerous areas. Adhere to safe industry practices and minimise hazards by conducting CO2-monitored inspections at regular intervals.
How To Choose A CO2 Monitor
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