Gas Risks

How the human body reacts to oxygen deficiency

Effects of carbon monoxide (CO) on the human body

Concentration (ppm) Effects and Toxicity
100 No noticeable effects even after breathing for a few hours
200 A slight headache in about 1.5 hours.
400~500 Headache, nausea and ringing in the ears within about 1 hour.
600~1000 Loss of consciousness in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
1500~2000 Disabling headache, dizziness and nausea within about 0.5 to 1 hour and loss of consciousness.
3000~6000 Headache, dizziness, disabling nausea…etc. within minutes. Exposure for 10 to 30 minutes can result in death.
10000 Causes immediate loss of consciousness and death.

Properties and hazards of combustible gases (iso-butane: i-C4H10)

Main properties Clear compressed liquid with a distinctive odor
Solubility in water Insoluble
Specific gravity 0.6
Melting point -160℃
Boiling point -12℃
Flash point 460℃
Dangers & Toxicity
Ignitability and explosiveness Generates explosive gas in air. Explosive range = 1.8% ~ 8.4%
Physical effects A suffocating gas with a hypnotic property.
Breathing air containing the gas for 30 minutes induces a state of discouragement and depression.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the human body

Concentration (ppm) Effects and Toxicity
0.025 Vague odor (this varies from individual to individual.)
0.3 Clear odor
3~5 Smell a moderate degree of unpleasant odor.
10 First level of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.
20~40 A strong odor. First level of irritation of the mucous membranes of the lungs.
100 The sense of smell is impaired within 2 to 15 minutes. The eyes and respiratory tract are irritated within 1 hour. Continuous exposure for 8 to 48 hours can result in death.
170~300 One hour of exposure is the limit to not cause serious health problems.
400~700 Potentially fatal exposure in 0.5~1 hour.
800~900 Causes loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and death.
1000 Causes immediate loss of consciousness and death.

Properties and dangers of combustible gases (methane: CH4)

Main properties Transparent, no gas odor.
Soluble in water Slightly soluble in water. Soluble in ethanol and others
Gravity
specific
0.6
Melting point -182.5℃
Boiling point -161.5℃
Flash point 537℃
Dangers & Toxicity
Ignitability and explosiveness Generates explosive gas in air. Explosive range = 5.0% ~ 15.0%
Physical effects A suffocating gas with a hypnotic property.

Breathing air containing the gas for 30 minutes induces a state of discouragement and depression.