Respiratory Affairs. Carbon Dioxide

The most famous victim of carbon monoxide poisoning was most probably Emile Zola (1840-1902). The chimney in his apartment was totally blocked on September 28, 1902, so carbon monoxide formed during combustion could not leave and caused the death of the famous French writer. Decades later, a roof repair specialist admitted on his deathbed to intentionally blocking this chinmey. His motive was that he was fiercely opposed to Zola s political views. 

Modem gas from pipelines does not cause aity problems like this, but carbon monoxide formed during imperfect combustion is still a concern. It is a good idea to have gas appliances tested regularly by a specialist. Investing in a carbon monoxide detector is not very expensive, and may make good common sense especially in rooms where babies sleep. 

In wine-producing regions, accidents sometimes occur late in the fall when careless visitors to wine cellars suffocate. The culprit is carbon dioxide gas. 

Carbon dioxide is a molecule in which a carbon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms (Fig. 4.23). It is heavier than air (for the more scientific minds its density is higher than the density of air), so it can be poured like an invisible liquid to some extent. A common demonstration of this property is when carbon dioxide is poured onto a burning candle, which is immediately extinguished. Carbon dioxide should definitely not be confused with carbon monoxide (not even under pressure from ill-informed journalists), which is the other common oxide of carbon, highly toxic, and has the same density as air (— 4.19). 

Since carbon dioxide is heavier than air, it accumnlates in the lower part of cellars and begins to force out the breathable air. When wine fermentation is at full throttle, a cellar may become an unhealthy place. Combustion, like breathing, needs air, so a burning candle can be used to test if the air in the eellar is healthy enough. The candle must, of course, be held low, as carbon dioxide accumulation starts there. Carbon dioxide also collects in a number of caves, and spelunkers need to take special care in such places. 

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