Carbon Monoxide versus Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Dioxide

Doesn't occur naturally in the atmosphere

Occurs naturally in the atmosphere

Result of oxygen starved combustion in improperly ventilated fuel-burned equipment

Natural by product of human and animal respiration, fermentation, chemical reactions, and combustion fossil fuels/woods

Generated by any gasoline engine WITHOUT a catalytic converter

Generated by any gasoline engine WITH a catalytic converter

Common type of fatal poisoning

Poisoning is rare

Flammable gas

Non-flammable gas

Symptoms: confusion, nausea, lassitude, syncope, cyanosis, chest pain, abdominal pain

Symptoms: dyspnea, sweating, increased heart rate, frostbite, convulsion, panic, memory problems

Target organ: lungs, blood, central nervous system

Target organ: respiratory system

Based on the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards, the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 parts per million (ppm).

Based on the OSHA standards, the PEL is 5,000 ppm

Based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standards, the recommended exposure limit (REL) is 35 ppm.

Based on the NIOSH standards, the REL is 5,000 ppm