Blackdamp
The mixture of gases formed when oxygen is removed from the atmosphere, so comprises mainly nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. The gas cannot support life, so any human or animal exposed to it will be asphyxiated. Workers in enclosed envronments such as mines, sewers, wells, tunnels and ships holds, for example, can test the atmosphere using a safety lamp. The flame will be extinguished at an oxygen concentration of about 18% (compared to the norm of 21%), although humans can survive at this level for a limited time. Also known as chokedamp.
Detection
However, there are gas detectors available now which detect toxic gases at very low levels. The Levels of Gas Detection depend on the methods used.
References
JS Haldane and JG Priestley, Respiration, Oxford Universty Press, 2nd Ed (1935)
See also
External Links
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