Originally Posted By: Caoimh?n P. Connell
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Hello Kevin -
I am going to have to strongly, but respectfully, disagree with the information you provided.
At 100 ppm, there will be very prominent signs of symptomology and there will be damage (adverse effects) to normal, healthy adults. Carbon monoxide levels of only 10 ppm (ten ppm) have been shown to degrade behavioral performance and chronic exposure to CO can lead to demyelination of nerves resulting in reduced nerve conduction (Industrial Toxicology, Williams, P.L. and Burson, J.L. Editors). Carbon monoxide levels of about 8 to 10 ppm have resulted in headaches in some people.
Upon exposure to relatively low concentrations of CO, the iron group of the P-450 isozymes (also known as the cytochromes P-450) is oxidized and the enzymes are hindered in their ability to help the body rid itself of other insults.
Since the prevalence of headaches can be observed at concentrations of 8 ppm, then I certainly would expect headaches (along with vomiting and dizziness) at 200 ppm; at 200 ppm, the building should be evacuated and emergency services notified.
I?m guessing that the concentrations to which you are referring are based on emergency responders and are geared toward emergency personnel being exposed for very short periods of time. However, these values are grossly inappropriate for describing symptomology in normal casual settings.
Just my thoughts,
Caoimh?n P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
www.forensic-applications.com
(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)
AMDG