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906 Oil Spill Cleanup
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906 Oil Spill Cleanup

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

What is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a naturally occurring gas in the Earth's atmosphere, but it can become hazardous when it builds up in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Oil Production CO2

In confined or low-lying areas, workers using combustion-powered tools or vehicles may unknowingly displace oxygen with CO2, risking asphyxiation.

Carbon Dioxide is a byproduct of combustion and is commonly released during oil spill response activities.

  • CO2 is a colorless gas. At low concentrations, it is odorless, but at higher levels it may have a sharp, acidic smell.
  • Common sources of CO2 exposure during cleanup include engine exhaust (such as diesel-powered pumps, trucks, or generators) and controlled burning of oil on the water's surface.
  • Because it is heavier than air, CO2 can collect in low areas, trenches, or poorly ventilated spaces, creating asphyxiation risks.

Health Risks of Carbon Dioxide

While carbon dioxide is not toxic in the traditional sense, it becomes dangerous at high concentrations because it displaces oxygen. This makes it an asphyxiant, meaning it can cause suffocation without warning.

  • Inhalation of CO2 at elevated levels can cause dizziness, headaches, rapid breathing, confusion, and fatigue.
  • Very high concentrations can cause unconsciousness or death due to lack of oxygen.
  • Even at moderately high levels, CO2 may produce a sour taste in the mouth or a stinging sensation in the nose and throat.
  • Symptoms may come on quickly and without warning in confined spaces.

Occupational Exposure Limits

According to most safety guidelines, the following exposure levels apply to carbon dioxide:

  • The recommended 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure limit is 5,000 parts per million (ppm).
  • Levels above 5,000 ppm are considered unhealthy, especially if exposure is prolonged or occurs in enclosed areas.
  • Exposure to concentrations above 50,000 ppm (or 5% by volume) is considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). These levels can cause unconsciousness or death in just a few minutes.

Oil spill responders working near combustion sources or in confined areas should be aware of CO₂ buildup and use proper ventilation and gas monitoring equipment. In some cases, respiratory protection may be required to ensure a safe working environment.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-3. At what level of exposure to carbon dioxide does it become immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) for oil spill cleanup workers?

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