Question

differentiate between co2 and co

Answer 1

Answer:

About Carbon Monoxide

CO is produced naturally in trace amounts by the partial oxidation of methane in the atmosphere, volcanoes and forest fires

CO is produced at dangerous levels by oxygen-starved combustion in improperly ventilated fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ovens, gas or kerosene space heaters, fire places and wood stoves  

CO is produced at dangerous levels by internal combustion engines that DO NOT use a catalytic converter

It is the most common type of fatal poisoning in the world

CO Recommended Levels

0.1 ppm is the current average CO level on the planet

OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 50 ppm (parts per million)

Symptoms of mild CO poisoning include headaches and dizziness at concentrations less than 100 ppm

Concentrations as low as 700 ppm can be life-threatening

About Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is a common gas in the atmosphere, and is required for plant life

CO2 is a natural byproduct of human and animal respiration, fermentation, chemical reactions, and combustion of fossil fuels and wood

CO2 is non-flammable

CO2 is generated by internal combustion engines that DO use a catalytic converter

CO2 poisoning is rare; however scuba divers have to watch out for it (the bends)

Leaking pressurized CO2 tanks in enclosed areas can be dangerous for occupants - both from high levels of CO2 and from relatively lower levels of oxygen (displacement)

CO2 Recommended Levels

400 ppm is the current average CO2 level on the planet

ASHRAE recommends a 1,000 ppm limit for office buildings and classrooms

OSHA limits long-term workplace exposure levels to 5,000 ppm

Drowsiness can occur at 10,000 ppm – common in closed cars or auditoriums

Symptoms of mild CO2 poisoning include headaches and dizziness at concentrations less than 30,000 ppm (3%)

At 80,000 ppm (8%) CO2 can be life-threatening

What are the similarities between CO and CO2?

Carbon and oxygen combine to form both gases

Both are colorless, tasteless and odorless

Both are in the air worldwide (albeit in different concentrations)

Both are released during combustion or fire

Explanation: