A bit more on asphyxiant gasses

[Howard]

Anyone who hasn't been bored to tears by all this CO2 talk may be interested in a site posted by the Chemistry Department of the University of Bath dealing with the effects of asphyxiant gasses, including CO2: http://www.bath.ac.uk/Admin/Safety/hws/bbsafe/asphyx.htmHave a great day!

 

[Dave Viglierchio]

Life and Death

It's amazing to think someone would be bored by a topic that might kill someone and their whole crew! I've thought about using dry ice as the insulation on my C-36 is minimal and I can go through 20 lbs. of ice in 24 hrs. So I asked a retired Chemist from UCD that I remember used it a lot. Following is his rely:The warning is right 100%. It is often used to cool things off including food and drink; however it is IMPERATIVE that there be abundant ventilation. CO2 is solid and to cool it must evaporate directly to a gas. The gas is heavier than air and in a complex box (boat cabin) will displace air at the lowest point first then continues until all the air is gone. It is non detectable by odor or physiological response until it is too late. If one is sleeping he just won't wake up. The problem is similar to the prohibition of a non-vented heater in a house only in that case it is not only carbon dioxide but also carbon monoxide which is poisonous as well. There is no household refrigerating unit that can employ solid carbon dioxide safely. Dry ice in a portable ice chest on deck is fine but below deck ! is an invitation to disaster. Don't even think of it.