Carbon Monoxide and Other Toxic Gases | Indian Minerology

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Part 5: Carbon Monoxide and Other Toxic Gases

Key Learning Objective: Understand toxic gas properties, physiological effects, statutory exposure limits (CMR 2017 Reg 123-125), and first-aid treatment as per DGMS Rescue Rules.

5.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) - The Silent Killer

☠️ CO EXPOSURE EFFECTS ☠️

Concentration (ppm)Exposure TimeSymptoms
508 hoursHeadache, mild nausea
2002-3 hoursSevere headache, dizziness
8002 hoursUnconsciousness
320030 minDeath

Statutory Limit: 50ppm (8hr TWA) - CMR 123

5.2 CO Sources and Detection

🔥 Primary Sources

  • Blasting: Incomplete combustion (0.5-2% CO)
  • Diesel Loco: 2000-5000ppm exhaust
  • Coal oxidation: Spontaneous heating
  • Explosions: Afterdamp (CO 0.2-1%)

📊 Detection Specifications

  • Range: 0-2000ppm
  • Alarm 1: 50ppm (low)
  • Alarm 2: 100ppm (high)
  • STEL: 200ppm (15min)
  • Sensor: Electrochemical

5.3 Other Toxic Gases

Gas Sources TLV (ppm) Symptoms IDLH
CO₂ Ventilation failure, strata 5000 Breathing difficulty >3% 40,000
H₂S Sulphide minerals, sewers 10 Rotten egg smell → Paralysis 100
NO₂ Blasting fumes 5 Bronchitis, pulmonary edema 50
SO₂ Pyrite oxidation 2 Eye/throat irritation 100

5.4 Gas Mask and Self-Rescuer Usage

🦺 Respiratory Protection Matrix

Gas ConcentrationPPE RequiredDuration
CO <100ppmFilter type B230 min
CO >100ppmSelf-contained SCBA30-60 min
H₂S <50ppmFilter type AX20 min
Unknown/High30-min Self-RescuerEmergency only

5.5 First Aid for Gas Poisoning

🩹 CO Poisoning Treatment

  1. Remove to fresh air IMMEDIATELY
  2. 100% Oxygen with HBO if available
  3. Monitor SpO₂, pulse, respiration
  4. Hyperbaric oxygen for >25% carboxy-Hb
  5. Observe 24 hours minimum

⚠️ H₂S Exposure

  1. Never use mouth-to-mouth
  2. Rescuers use SCBA
  3. Sodium bicarbonate IV
  4. Monitor for pulmonary edema
  5. Amyl nitrite inhaler

⚠️ Exam Critical Data:

  • CO combines with Hb: 200x faster than O₂
  • Carboxyhemoglobin half-life: 4-6hrs on air, 1hr on O₂
  • H₂S paralysis: Olfactory nerve at 100ppm
  • CO₂ doubling point: 1.5% = Increased breathing
  • Form V-27: Toxic gas incident report

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