Carbon Dioxide & Life-2
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guidelines to improve life with with current CO2 level variations.
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Since carbon
dioxide is a product of human or animal respiration (or
breathing), it is found almost everywhere. Measurable amounts
are seen in lecture halls, homes, schoolrooms, office buildings,
and submarines. CO2 has been used:
In the carbonation of beverages
In chemical processing
As a food preservative
As an inert "blanket" to fight fire
For low temperature testing of aviation, missile and electronic
components (in liquid form)
Are there health problems that can be caused by carbon dioxide?
There are many factors that determine if one might get sick due
to exposure to carbon dioxide. These include:
The concentration and amount of carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide
is naturally present in the atmosphere at levels of about
0.035%. Exposure of healthy individuals for prolonged periods of
1.5% CO2 will cause mild problems while exposure to 7-10% CO2
will produce unconsciousness within a few minutes.1 That is
because at higher concentrations, CO2 can displace the oxygen in
the air. Because of this, CO2 is called a "simple asphyxiant."
Personal characteristics such as age, gender, weight, general
health status and general activities. For example if somebody
suffers from a chronic lung condition in which they have higher
amounts of CO2 in the body than most people do, they may feel
the effects more. In addition, the effects of CO2 can become
more pronounced upon physical exertion, such as heavy work.
Is a person exposed to just carbon dioxide or is it a variety of
pollutants? Animal studies indicate that a combination of CO2
and carbon monoxide causes an increase in the rate of carbon
monoxide-binding to hemoglobin.
Health problems caused by carbon dioxide are usually acute,
which means they occur immediately or within a few days of
exposure. Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide can result
in1:
Health problem (concentration)
Headaches (7.5%)
Dizziness (7.5%)
Restlessness (7.5%)
Feeling of an inability to breathe (7.5%)
Sweating (7.5%)
Malaise (vague feeling of discomfort) (7.5%)
Increased heart rate (7.5%)
Increased blood pressure (7.5%)
Visual distortion (7.5%)
Impaired hearing (10%).
Nausea/vomiting (10%)
Loss of consciousness (10%)
Coma (30%)
Convulsions (30%)
Death from asphyxiation (30%,
though several deaths have been
reported at concentrations greater than 20%). With asphyxiation,
body cells do not get the oxygen they need to live.
How can exposure to carbon dioxide be decreased?
Have areas where people are congregating be adequately
ventilated. Human occupants produce carbon dioxide, water vapor,
and contaminants including particulate matter, biological
aerosols, and volatile organic compounds. ASHRAE states that
"comfort (odor) criteria with respect to human bioeffluents are
likely to be satisfied if the ventilation results in indoor CO2
concentrations less than 700 ppm above the outdoor air
concentration. CO2 concentrations in acceptable outdoor air
typically range from 300 to 500 ppm.2" This level keeps body
odors down to where at least 80 percent of visitors entering the
room will not notice them.
Keeping levels less than 700 ppm above the outdoor air
concentration is an indication that sufficient outdoor air is
being brought into the environment and will help control other
pollutants at acceptable levels. IAQ research has shown that
building occupant complaints will be observed as the indoor
concentration of carbon dioxide increases about 700-800 ppm; the
carbon dioxide level is a surrogate indicator that other
pollutants from indoor sources may exist at irritating and
observable levels.
Generally, the CO2 concentrations should be <=0.5%. This level
should not adversely affect persons with normal health.
Health problem (concentration)
Headaches (7.5%)
Dizziness (7.5%)
Restlessness (7.5%)
Feeling of an inability to breathe (7.5%)
Sweating (7.5%)
Malaise (vague feeling of discomfort) (7.5%)
Increased heart rate (7.5%)
Increased blood pressure (7.5%)
Visual distortion (7.5%)
Impaired hearing (10%).
Nausea/vomiting (10%)
Loss of consciousness (10%)
Coma (30%)
Convulsions (30%)
Death from asphyxiation (30%,
AUTOIMMUNE EPIDEMIC