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, medical gas with CO₂ levels that are within the "indoor air range" can create problems in patient care gases. High CO₂ levels in medical gases can produce many of the same symptoms as CO poisoning.

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

Table 7 of CSA-Z305.1-92 lists a 500 ppm maximum for medical air and only 100 ppm in Oxygen. One of the most common causes for compressed breathing air quality failures is an excessive CO₂ content.