Breathing Air

Introduction

Composition

Analysis

Medical Gas

Introduction

Analysis

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Contamination:

Normal CO₂ levels in outdoor air (300 - 400 ppm) or indoor air (500 - 2,500 ppm) are not considered hazardous. However, compressed air with CO₂ levels that are within the "indoor air range" can create problems in Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA) applications. High CO₂ levels in breathing air tanks can produce many of the same symptoms as CO poisoning. In addition, high CO₂ levels increase breathing rates, which shorten SCBA usage time.

Common filtration systems do not remove excessive Carbon Dioxide. Special filters are needed to reduce CO₂ levels.

Table 1 of CAN3-Z180.1-00 lists a 500 ppm maximum. One of the most common causes for compressed breathing air quality failures is an excessive CO₂ content.