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1.4.3 - Carbon Dioxide CO2

Carbon dioxide is colourless, non combustible with a faintly acid smell, has a suffocating effect and is heavier than air. Upon release to below sublimation temperature cooling causes dry ice formation. Carbon dioxide is not poisonous in the accepted sense (Occupational Exposure Standard limit 9000mg/m3). At a carbon dioxide content of 3%, a human being inhales 6.5 litres per minute. Relatively large quantities of carbon dioxide always circulate within the human body from which over 700g (more than 350L) are exhaled. However, in larger quantities, carbon dioxide can have a suffocating effect through displacing oxygen. Many industrial processes lead to the formation of large quantities of carbon dioxide. It is also found in the flue gases of fuels, when slaking lime, in the fermentation cellars of breweries and from the combustion gas of gas producers (generators). Carbon dioxide is used in the beverage and refrigeration industry, in fire extinguishing devices, as inert gas in chemical processes, for the manufacture of fertilisers as well as for soda production.