Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colourless and odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. It is extremely dangerous, as in high concentrations it can lead to severe poisoning and, in the worst case, death. In fact, according to the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, about 400 people are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in Germany every year, of which about 10% are fatal.
How does carbon monoxide affect the human body?
Carbon monoxide has about 200 times the affinity for the red blood pigment haemoglobin compared to oxygen. Therefore, it displaces oxygen from binding with haemoglobin and thus hinders the transport of oxygen in the body. The organs and tissues are not supplied with sufficient oxygen, resulting in hypoxia. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can vary from mild headaches and dizziness to unconsciousness and death.
How can carbon monoxide be produced in fires?
Any fire, especially if it takes place indoors, can produce carbon monoxide. This is because when materials burn, there is usually not enough oxygen to ensure complete combustion. This produces the dangerous carbon monoxide instead of harmless carbon dioxide. In practice, fires often produce CO concentrations of several thousand ppm (parts per million), while as little as 35 ppm is considered harmful to health.
How can you protect yourself from carbon monoxide in fires?
The best protection against carbon monoxide poisoning is prevention. This means avoiding sources of fire and acting quickly in case of fire. Furthermore, the use of carbon monoxide detectors makes sense. They warn of dangerous CO concentrations in good time and can thus save lives. In some federal states, such as Saxony, CO detectors are already mandatory.
How effective are current carbon monoxide detectors?
Modern carbon monoxide detectors are extremely effective and can save lives in many cases. They are able to detect even small amounts of carbon monoxide and sound the alarm before a dangerous concentration is reached. According to a 2022 study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, carbon monoxide detectors could save up to 100 lives a year in Germany. However, it is important that these devices are properly installed and maintained to ensure their full effectiveness.
What role does carbon monoxide play in firefighting?
Carbon monoxide plays a dual role in firefighting. On the one hand, it is a dangerous toxin that is produced in fires and threatens both humans and animals. On the other hand, it can also be an indicator of hidden pockets of embers, as these often burn incompletely and therefore release carbon monoxide. Therefore, measuring the carbon monoxide concentration is an important part of post-extinguishing work.
What is the future of firefighting in relation to carbon monoxide?
The future of firefighting is increasingly shaped by technological innovations. This also affects the handling of carbon monoxide. For example, increasingly powerful carbon monoxide detectors are being developed that can not only measure more accurately, but also faster. In addition, work is being done on the development of materials and techniques that minimise the formation of carbon monoxide in fires. This could make tomorrow's firefighting even safer and more effective.
Are there special training requirements for firefighters in handling carbon monoxide?
Firefighters must be trained to recognise and minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This includes understanding the properties of carbon monoxide, its effect on the human body, its role in fires and the operation of carbon monoxide detectors. In addition, they must be trained in first aid and life-saving measures in the event of carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2021, there were almost 1.3 million firefighters in Germany, each of whom must be able to respond to carbon monoxide threats.
What role do building codes play in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning?
Building codes and standards can play a crucial role in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, regulations on proper ventilation and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new buildings and renovations can help minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, regulations on fire load in buildings and the use of less flammable materials can help reduce the generation of carbon monoxide in a fire.
What technological advances could change the way we deal with carbon monoxide in the future?
There are a number of exciting technologies that have the potential to revolutionise the way carbon monoxide is dealt with in fires. One of these is the development of sensors that can visualise carbon monoxide molecules in real time. Such sensors could help firefighters identify dangerous areas more quickly and protect themselves more effectively. Another possible innovation is the creation of materials and construction methods that produce less carbon monoxide when they burn. These could help to significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in a fire.