CO2 Regulating Good HSS

Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
CO2RegulatingGoodHSS
Page 1 of 7
CO2 Regulating (Good Idea)
Index:
1. Higher levels of CO2 are hazardous
2. Significant health effects of high CO2 exposure
3. Even slightly high levels of CO2 are dangerous
4. Higher CO2 levels can increase frequency of panic attacks
5. Specific populations at risk
6. Health risks to individuals with prolonged low-level exposure
7. Wide range of health effects
8. Example: 1700 people died from Lake Nyos CO2 release
9. Example: CO2 exposure resulting in incapacitation
10. Example: Man suffers severe brain damage
11. Example: Two men experience serious health effects
12. High levels of CO2 dangerous
13. Low levels of CO2 dangerous
14. More than 100 groups petitioned for EPA to regulate CO2
15. Environmental experts support CO2 regulation
1. Higher levels of CO2 are hazardous

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, “Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and
Storage”, Dr. Paul Freund (member of United Kingdom government's Advisory Committee on Carbon
Abatement Technology), Dr. Stefan Bachu (Principal Scientist on CO2 Geological Storage at the
Alberta Research Council ), Dale Simbeck (SFA Pacific Technology and Economic Consultants), Kelly
Thambimuthu (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Murlidhar Gupta,
(Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology), 2005
http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_and_data_reports_carbon_dioxide.htm
Higher concentrations or exposures of longer duration are hazardous – either by reducing the
concentration of oxygen in the air to below the 16% level required to sustain human life , or by entering
the body, especially the bloodstream, and/or altering the amount of air taken in during breathing; such
physiological effects can occur faster than the effects resulting from the displacement of oxygen,
depending on the concentration of CO2. This is reflected in, for example, the current US occupational
exposure standard of 0.5% for the maximum allowable concentration of CO2 in air for eight hours
continuous exposure; the maximum concentration to which operating personnel may be exposed for a
short period of time is 3.0%.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 2 of 7
2. Significant health effects of high CO2 exposure

The impact of elevated CO2 concentrations on humans depends on the concentration and
duration of exposure. At concentrations up to 1.5%, there are no noticeable physical consequences for
healthy adults at rest from exposure for an hour or more (Figure AI.9); indeed, exposure to slightly
elevated concentrations of CO2, such as in re-breathing masks on aeroplanes at high altitude, may
produce beneficial effects (Benson et al., 2002). Increased activity or temperature may affect how the
exposure is perceived. Longer exposure, even to less than 1% concentration, may significantly affect
health. Noticeable effects occur above this level, particularly changes in respiration and blood pH level
that can lead to increased heart rate, discomfort, nausea and unconsciousness.
3. Even slightly high levels of CO2 are dangerous

Acute exposure to CO2 concentrations at or above 3% may significantly affect the health of the
general population. Hearing loss and visual disturbances occur above 3% CO2. Healthy young adults
exposed to more than 3% CO2 during exercise experience adverse symptoms, including laboured
breathing, headache, impaired vision and mental confusion. CO2 acts as an asphyxiant in the range
7−10% and can be fatal at this concentration; at concentrations above 20%, death can occur in 20 to 30
minutes (Fleming et al., 1992). The effects of CO2 exposure are summarized in Table AI.3, which
shows the consequences at different concentrations. Health risks to the population could therefore
occur if a release of CO2 were to produce:
• relatively low ambient concentrations of CO2 for prolonged
periods;
• or intermediate concentrations of CO2 in relatively anoxic
environments;
• or high concentrations of CO2.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 3 of 7
4. Higher CO2 levels can increase frequency of panic attacks

Patients susceptible to panic disorder may experience an increased frequency of panic attacks at
5% CO2 (Woods et al., 1988). Panic attack and significant anxiety can affect the ability of the
individual to exercise appropriate judgment in dangerous situations.
5. Specific populations at risk

CO2 exposure can increase pulmonary pressure as well as systemic blood pressure and should
be avoided in individuals with systemic or pulmonary hypertension. The rise in cardiac work during
CO2 inhalation could put patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure in jeopardy (Cooper et
al., 1970). Infants and children breathe more air than adults relative to their body size and they
therefore tend to be more susceptible to respiratory exposures (Snodgrass, 1992). At moderate to high
CO2 concentrations, the relaxation of blood vessels and enhanced ventilation could contribute to rapid
loss of body heat in humans of any age. Carbon dioxide can significantly diminish an individual’s
performance in carrying out complex tasks.
6. Health risks to individuals with prolonged low-level exposure

National Energy Technology Laboratory, “Human Health Risk Assessment of CO2”, Susan A. Rice,
Ph.D. (holds a doctorate in Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology and a Bachelor’s of Science in
Biochemistry from the University of California at Davis), 2004
www.netl.doe.gov/publications/proceedings/04/carbon-seq/169.pdf
The health of individuals near carbon transport and sequestration sites must be considered in
site risk characterization. The lethal effects of high CO2 concentrations are well known, but the
literature also reveals cause for concern for both the survivors of high-level CO2 exposure and
individuals who experience prolonged low-level exposure. These effects are discussed below. This
work is part of an on-going project to evaluate the adverse health effects of CO2.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 4 of 7
7. Wide range of health effects

CO2 has a continuum of effects that range from physiologic (e.g., ventilatory stimulation) to
toxic (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias and seizures), anesthetic (significantly depressed CNS activity), and
lethal (severe acidosis and anoxia). The effects of CO2 in a specific individual depend on the
concentration and duration of exposure as well as individual factors, such as age, health, physiologic
make-up, physical activity, occupation, and lifestyle.
8. Example: 1700 people died from Lake Nyos CO2 release

The Lake Nyos CO2 release, where an estimated 1700 people died and a maximum 5000
survived, has provided insight into the morbidity and mortality resulting from a high-level CO2
exposure of a large population [16-19]. Many survivors recount a rapid loss of consciousness. The
atmospheric CO2 was estimated to be ≥8 to 10% because oil lamps were extinguished [20]. Deaths
were presumably caused by CO2 displacing O2 resulting in asphyxiation. Pulmonary congestion and/or
edema were prominent findings in the few autopsies conducted. Postmortem changes, however,
precluded other useful information.
9. Example: CO2 exposure resulting in incapacitation

There are many reports of accidental and intentional exposures to CO2 leading to intoxication
or partial incapacitation and death due to hypercapnia, most often in the presence of severe hypoxia
[21]. For most accidental exposures there is no record of the CO2 or O2 concentrations present in either
the inspired air or the blood of the victim. Several cases show the relationship of CO2 and O2
concentrations to narcosis, unconsciousness, and death. In one report, air crewmen were partially
incapacitated when the aircraft CO2 fire extinguisher was accidentally discharged resulting in an
estimated concentration of 4 to 7% CO2 [22]. The near collapse of other air crew members from the
inhalation of CO2 occurred during several flights due to the release of CO2 from dry ice used to
transport frozen foods [21-24]. In one case, it took only 10 min for an estimated 14.8% CO2 to
accumulate.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 5 of 7
10. Example: Man suffers severe brain damage

A comatose man, rescued 10 min after he entered a well in which three of his co-workers died,
remained comatose and completely unresponsive until his death 11 months later [29]. The autopsy,
limited to the brain and eye, showed severe brain atrophy and major retinal abnormalities. The
nonselective, widespread brain damage and the severity of the individual lesions contrasted with the
expected findings from death caused by anoxia. It was concluded that the brain lesions were due to the
histotoxic effects of CO2. The effects on the eye were considered similar to those caused by anoxia.
11. Example: Two men experience serious health effects

Persistent health effects have been identified in those that recover consciousness after high-level
CO2 exposure in the presence of low-level O2. In one report of CO2 asphyxiation, two of three men
regained consciousness after exposure in a well [30]. Both men experienced throbbing headaches,
attacks of vertigo, poor memory and ability to concentrate, photophobia, difficulty sleeping, tinnitus,
and double vision. The man exposed for the longest time also underwent a marked personality change
and suffered from loss of eye movement as well as from visual field defects, enlargement of blind
spots, and deficient dark adaptation.
12. High levels of CO2 dangerous

Acute high-level CO2 exposure in the presence of low-level O2 can produce significant
persistent adverse health effects including headaches, attacks of vertigo, poor memory and ability to
concentrate, difficulty sleeping, tinnitus, double vision, photophobia, loss of eye movement, visual field
defects, enlargement of blind spots, deficient dark adaptation, and personality changes.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 6 of 7
13. Low levels of CO2 dangerous

Prolonged low-level CO2 exposure (<3%) in the presence of normal O2 can produce relatively
benign short-term effects in healthy, young adults. One effect, alterations in bone metabolism and
related blood calcium concentrations, however, may have potentially longer-lasting adverse effects in
both healthy and sensitive populations. The bone and calcium alterations in animals have been
associated with renal calcification at CO2 concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 15%. Other benign effects
of CO2 exposure in healthy study subjects may have more immediate consequences for the health of
sensitive populations. Additional studies must be conducted to define the actual risks for a given
potentially sensitive population.
14. More than 100 groups petitioned for EPA to regulate CO2
Center for Biological Diversity, “More Than 100 Groups Endorse Petition to EPA to Cap Carbon
Dioxide Pollution at 350 Parts Per Million”, December 21, 2009
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2009/350-ppm-12-21-2009.html
More than 100 groups have issued a letter supporting a legal petition filed earlier this month by
the Center for Biological Diversity and 350.org that would require the Environmental Protection
Agency to scientifically establish national safe limits for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas
pollution under the Clean Air Act. The petition seeks to have greenhouse gases designated as “criteria”
air pollutants and atmospheric CO2 capped at 350 parts per million (ppm), the level leading scientists
say is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Individuals supporting the petition
include eminent climate scientist Dr. James Hansen and Sierra Club Board Member Dr. Michael
Dorsey. Among the diverse group of organizations signing the endorsement letter are Friends of the
Earth, Audubon chapters (ranging from Audubon South Carolina to Golden Gate Audubon), interfaith
groups such as Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, Eco-Justice Collaborative, Community Coalition
for Environmental Justice of Seattle, Clean Air Carolina, and Utah Physicians for a Healthy
Environment.
Heidi Schreiber (V)
EverReady
Page 7 of 7
15. Environmental experts support CO2 regulation

Center for Biological Diversity, “More Than 100 Groups Endorse Petition to EPA to Cap Carbon
Dioxide Pollution at 350 Parts Per Million”, December 21, 2009
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2009/350-ppm-12-21-2009.html
Said Dr. Dorsey: "The Center for Biological Diversity and 350.org's petition is a bold step that
can further enable President Obama to move in the right direction to quickly rein in climate change.
Organizations and commentators that suggest the contrary misunderstand the urgency of avoiding a
catastrophically destabilized climate.” Dorsey is an assistant professor in Dartmouth College’s
Environmental Studies Program, director of the college’s Climate Justice Research Project, a national
board member of the Sierra Club and a cofounding board member of Islands First. Stated Dr. James
Hansen (eminent climate expert): “Setting science-based national pollution caps for greenhouse gases –
such as no more than 350 parts per million for CO2 – would mark a critical step in the fight against
global warming, and this petition is one way to bring us closer to that goal.”

CO2 Regulating Good HSS

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Descrizione originale:

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

CO2 Regulating Good HSS

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Heidi Schreiber (V)

CO2 Regulating (Good Idea)

1. Higher levels of CO2 are hazardous

2. Significant health effects of high CO2 exposure

3. Even slightly high levels of CO2 are dangerous

4. Higher CO2 levels can increase frequency of panic attacks

5. Specific populations at risk

6. Health risks to individuals with prolonged low-level exposure

7. Wide range of health effects

8. Example: 1700 people died from Lake Nyos CO2 release

9. Example: CO2 exposure resulting in incapacitation

10. Example: Man suffers severe brain damage

11. Example: Two men experience serious health effects

12. High levels of CO2 dangerous

13. Low levels of CO2 dangerous

15. Environmental experts support CO2 regulation

Potrebbero piacerti anche