Q. What are the links between COVID-19 and gas detection?
A. The packaging, transportation and storage of COVID-19 vaccines at low temperatures necessitates the use of dry ice, which is a form of carbon dioxide (CO2). If CO2 escapes in its gaseous form, there is a danger to factory, logistics and healthcare workers, most of whom will be unfamiliar with dry ice and its potentially harmful effects. Although there is a clear global need for vaccine urgency, employers also have a responsibility to avoid compromising worker health and safety.
Another application concerns the storage and use of oxygen at temporary hospitals, a number of which are now in operation across Europe to provide COVID-19 patients with emergency ventilation. These facilities do not have permanently engineered solutions to monitor for oxygen leaks, which presents the need for additional safety precautions.
In both applications, portable gas detectors worn by personnel can monitor for gas leaks and alarm against dangerous exposure.
Q. What are risks of exposure to excessive levels of CO2 and oxygen?
A. Dry ice is solid-state CO2. However, sublimation of CO2 occurs at temperatures above -78°C, when it becomes gaseous. CO2 in this form is heavier than air and tends to take the place of oxygen, presenting a risk of anoxia. As little as 3% CO2 by volume can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, while 5% will likely prompt dizziness, confusion, headaches and shortness of breath. All of these conditions can prove dangerous in a workplace situation. Moreover, staff absenteeism due to feeling poorly is a major risk to the effectiveness of vaccine supply chains.
As for oxygen, excessive amounts of this gas in the atmosphere due to leakage from tanks or equipment presents a higher flammability risk.
For more information, contact us: gasandflamedetection@teledyne.com
