Subtitle: Asphyxiant Hazards
Asphyxiant hazards are substances or conditions that can cause a person to experience a lack of oxygen, leading to suffocation or unconsciousness. These hazards can come from inhaling hazardous gases, liquids, or solids, or from being in an area with low oxygen levels. Examples of asphyxiant hazards include:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas found in the atmosphere, but can also be released from burning fuels or from chemical processes such as fermentation. It can cause asphyxiation when inhaled in high concentrations.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuels such as oil, gasoline, kerosene, and wood are burned incompletely. When inhaled, it can cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the body.
Nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that makes up over 78% of the air we breathe. At high concentrations, it can cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the body.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, hazardous gas that is produced from the decomposition of organic matter and can be found in sewage treatment plants, industrial plants, and landfills. It is also produced from the burning of fossil fuels and can cause asphyxiation when inhaled in high concentrations.
Acid Gases: Acid gases, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrogen chloride, are released from industrial processes and can cause asphyxiation when inhaled in high concentrations.
Low Oxygen Environments: Low oxygen environments, such as mines, tunnels, and poorly-ventilated rooms, can cause asphyxiation due to a lack of oxygen in the air.
