What percentage of Carbon Monoxide will produce unconsciousness in 30 minutes?

The correct answer indicates that a concentration of carbon monoxide between 0.20 and 0.30 percent can lead to unconsciousness within 30 minutes of exposure. Understanding the effects of carbon monoxide is crucial for safety in environments where this gas could be present, as it can have serious and sometimes fatal impacts on human health.

At concentrations in this range, carbon monoxide disrupts the body's ability to transport oxygen by binding with hemoglobin in the blood, leading to hypoxia and potential loss of consciousness. Awareness of this critical threshold helps maintain safe working conditions, especially in enclosed spaces or areas where combustion engines are used, since carbon monoxide is produced as a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

Knowledge of these percentages is vital for foremen and others in charge of ensuring safety measures, as it informs decisions about ventilation, the use of carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency response protocols to protect workers from the dangers of exposure.