Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

CO and C2 Levels

Carbon monoxide, or CO, and diatomic carbon, or C2, are two gases containing carbon. Public safety campaigns exist in order to prevent dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide, as it can be a deadly gas. Diatomic carbon occurs infrequently on earth. It is important to keep carbon monoxide levels below a certain point. Measuring devices can help with this.

CO
- CO, or carbon monoxide, is a toxic gas. It has no color, odor or taste. Each CO molecule is made up of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. It is often a by-product of reactions like internal combustion. Motorized items that can create CO include automobiles, trucks and lawnmowers. It is also possible to create CO by burning coal, charcoal, wood and more.
C2
- C2 is a diatomic molecule made up of two carbon atoms. Another name for C2 is diatomic carbon. It is an unstable molecule. On earth, it occurs primarily when burning hydrocarbons like methane or propane, when the flame is blue. Diatomic carbon does not survive long outside of the blue flame. It occurs more frequently in space, such as in comets and in the gases surrounding stars.
Measuring Levels
- A gas analyzer is a useful tool for measuring the presence of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. More accurate machines are expensive, but they are highly customizable and allow the measurement of many kinds of gases. It is also possible to use a carbon monoxide detector, which often comes integrated with a smoke detector. This helps protect people from the buildup of carbon monoxide in their own home, from sources like propane, heating oil, wood or charcoal. Scientists will usually use a spectrometer to measure for diatomic carbon terrestrially and extra-terrestrially. The blue color of a hydrocarbon flame indicates the presence of C2. C2 is unstable, so it is usually present for too short a time to measure the levels.
Safety Levels
- Exceeding the level of 9 parts per million of carbon monoxide for eight hours is dangerous. The United States Occupational Health and Safety organization limits the exposure of workers to 50 parts per million. Carbon monoxide detectors may not be effective in preventing dangerous exposure, because they usually only activate after about 100 parts per million. A more accurate detector would be better, but is often unavailable. There is often a high density of CO in urban centers, where it can reach a dangerous level. Carbon monoxide can also build up dangerously in poorly-ventilated garages. There is little risk of too much diatomic carbon, as the molecule is unstable, and occurs primarily in outer space. People should avoid sticking their hands or body parts in blue hydrocarbon flames.

Science