Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas, which is predominately produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Incomplete combustion occurs when insufficient oxygen is used in the fuel (hydrocarbon) burning process. Consequently, more carbon monoxide, in preference to carbon dioxide, is emitted. Some examples of this are the following: vehicle exhausts, fuel burning furnaces, coal burning power plants, small gasoline engines, portable gasoline-powered generators, power washers, fire places, charcoal grills, marine engines, forklifts, propane-powered heaters, gas water heaters, and kerosene heaters.

Exposure to carbon monoxide impedes the blood's ability to carry oxygen to body tissues and vital organs. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it combines with hemoglobin (an iron-protein component of red blood cells), producing carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which greatly diminishes hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity. Hemoglobin's binding affinity for carbon monoxide is 300 times greater than its affinity for oxygen. As a result, small amounts of carbon monoxide can dramatically reduce hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are headache, nausea, rapid breathing, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, and confusion. Hypoxia (severe oxygen deficiency) due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning may result in reversible neurological effects, or it may result in long-term (and possibly delayed) irreversible neurological (brain damage) or cardiological (heart damage) effects.

Carbon monoxide
Synonyms & Trade Names Carbon oxide, Flue gas, Monoxide
CAS No. 630-08-0		RTECS No. FG3500000		DOT ID & Guide 1016 119 9202 168 (cryogenic liquid)
Formula CO		Conversion 1 ppm = 1.15 mg/m3		IDLH 1200 ppm See: 630080
Exposure Limits NIOSH REL : TWA 35 ppm (40 mg/m3) C 200 ppm (229 mg/m3) OSHA PEL †: TWA 50 ppm (55 mg/m3)				Measurement Methods NIOSH 6604 ; OSHA ID209 , ID210 See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: Shipped as a nonliquefied or liquefied compressed gas.]
MW: 28.0	BP: -313°F	MLT: -337°F	Sol: 2%	VP: >35 atm	IP: 14.01 eV
	Fl.P: NA (Gas)	UEL: 74%	LEL: 12.5%	RGasD: 0.97
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, bromine trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, lithium
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)
Symptoms headache, tachypnea, nausea, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness, confusion, hallucinations; cyanosis; depressed S-T segment of electrocardiogram, angina, syncope
Target Organs cardiovascular system, lungs, blood, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation (See protection codes) Skin: Frostbite Eyes: Frostbite Wash skin: No recommendation Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation Provide: Frostbite wash				First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Frostbite Skin: Frostbite Breathing: Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 350 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 875 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 1200 ppm: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern† (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern† Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

International Chemical Safety Cards

CARBON MONOXIDE

ICSC: 0023

Carbon oxide Carbonic oxide CO Molecular mass: 28.0 (cylinder) ICSC #    0023 CAS #     630-08-0 RTECS # FG3500000 UN #        1016 EC #         006-001-00-2 April 19, 2007 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with carbon dioxide, water spray, powder.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE		AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Headache. Confusion. Dizziness. Nausea. Weakness. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
•SKIN
•EYES
•INGESTION

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	STORAGE	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation.	Fireproof. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room.	Note: E F+ symbol T symbol R: 12-23-48/23-61 S: 53-45 UN Hazard Class: 2.3 UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1 Signal: Danger Flame-Cylinder-Skull-Health haz Extremely flammable gas Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated Fatal if inhaled May damage fertility or the unborn child if inhaled Causes damage to blood if inhaled Causes damage to blood and central nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0023 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

CARBON MONOXIDE

ICSC: 0023

I M P O R T A N T D A T A	PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE: ODOURLESS, TASTELESS, COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS. PHYSICAL DANGERS: The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. The gas penetrates easily through walls and ceilings. CHEMICAL DANGERS: May react vigorously with oxygen, acetylene, chlorine, fluorine, nitrous oxide. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS: TLV: 25 ppm as TWA BEI issued (ACGIH 2006). MAK: 30 ppm 35 mg/m� Peak limitation category: II(1); Pregnancy risk group: B; BAT issued; (DFG 2008). OSHA PEL�: TWA 50 ppm (55 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: TWA 35 ppm (40 mg/m3) C 200 ppm (229 mg/m3) NIOSH IDLH: 1200 ppm See: 630080 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. INHALATION RISK: A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE: The substance may cause effects on the blood , resulting in carboxyhaemoglobinemia and cardiac disorders . Exposure at high levels may result in death. Medical observation is indicated. EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE: The substance may have effects on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system . May cause toxicity to human reproduction or development.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	Boiling point: -191�C Melting point: -205�C Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20�C: 2.3 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.97 Flash point: Flammable Gas Auto-ignition temperature: 605�C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 12.5-74.2
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
N O T E S
Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion of coal, oil, wood. It is present in vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1016 or 20G1TF NFPA Code: H3; F4; R0 Card has been partially updated in November 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.