Title:
Effects of low concentration of carbon monoxide on human physiological function
Author:
Yu, B., Zhang, H., Mou, X., Yu, F., Zhong, H., He, Z.
Date:
1997
Journal:
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering
English Summary:
Human volunteers were exposed to various low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in a closed cabin. The results showed that 35 mg/m3 of CO caused slight subjective symptoms and reduction in contrast vision, operating efficiency, and T-wave of the ECG. At 80 mg/m3 and 115 mg/m3 the above changes were more severe and a rise in hearing threshold was observed. It demonstrated that an inhibitory effect on the CNS and heart were caused by low concentrations of CO. According to the absorption curves for humans exposed to CO, it is suggested that the sense effect level and vision effect levels for CO are 7% COHb, and the hearing effect level is 9% COHb.
Location:
Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing 100094, China