Carbon Monoxide Contamination Associated with Field Use of Internal Combustion Sources

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant public health issue.
• Internal combustion devices are common sources of CO contamination.
• The risks of CO poisoning are amplified in high-altitude environments due to reduced oxygen availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate carbon monoxide (CO) levels from internal combustion sources in various field camp environments.
• To assess the potential risks associated with CO exposure in remote high-altitude facilities.

Main Methods:

• Opportunistic measurements of CO levels were conducted using portable CO detectors (Reed Instruments R9400).
• Measurements were taken in diverse locations including kitchens, dining areas, shower spaces, cooking tents, and ice-fishing tents.
• Data were collected in Nepal, Argentina, and Canada, at altitudes ranging from 198m to 4950m.

Main Results:

• CO levels varied significantly across different field facilities.
• The highest CO concentrations were detected in shower spaces.
• Half of the shower measurements (7 of 13) surpassed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for a 15-minute exposure, with one peak reading of 1036 ppm.

Conclusions:

• Despite a small sample size, the study identified potentially hazardous CO levels in field facilities, particularly in enclosed shower areas.
• Frequent exceedance of WHO recommendations highlights significant safety risks.
• There is a critical need for enhanced CO monitoring and increased public awareness regarding CO hazards in such environments.