Carbon Monoxide, recognized as a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas, which is emitted when there is incomplete oxidation of carbon in the process of combustion. Carbon Monoxide also used as a trading commodity in carbon market.
There are several sources of carbon monoxide like kerosene and gas space heaters, smoke coming out of chimneys and furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces, gas stoves, generators and other gasoline powered equipments along with automobile exhaust. Level of carbon monoxide present in a household is estimated as 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). It is estimated that carbon monoxide level coming out of adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and that of near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or even higher.
There is several health hazards associated with carbon monoxide. On inhaling carbon monoxide people can feel fatigue and those with weak heart can get chest pain. If carbon monoxide with higher concentration is inhaled then, problems like impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness and nausea can happen. The adverse effect of carbon monoxide is due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which restricts the oxygen intake.
Apart from health hazard, carbon monoxide is also a reason behind global warming. Carbon monoxide along with carbon dioxide constitutes GHG i.e, green house gas which is prime reason behind global warming. The emission of Carbon monoxide should be reduced in order to reduce global warming. There are few steps that can be followed in order to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide gases.
- In household the gas appliances should be properly adjusted
- Usage of proper fuel in kerosene space heaters
- Installation of proper ventilation for smokes
|