Introduction of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a common compound in the air. Its molecular formula is CO2, which consists of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom connected by a covalent bond. It is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature, slightly denser than air, soluble in water, and generates carbonic acid. When liquid carbon dioxide evaporates, it absorbs a large amount of heat and condenses into solid carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice. Carbon dioxide is considered to be the main source of the greenhouse effect.

Chemical properties of carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is an inorganic substance, a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature, slightly denser than air, soluble in water, and produces carbonic acid. (Basic Principles of Carbonated Drinks)

Carbon dioxide poisoning 

Carbon dioxide poisoning refers to a series of dysfunctions caused by the human body inhaling a large amount or high concentration of carbon dioxide, or the retention of carbon dioxide in the body due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.

There are two types of acute poisoning and chronic poisoning.

Acute poisoning: refers to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, palpitations, spectrum safety, and even convulsions and coma within a short period of time after exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide. In severe cases, death may result from paralysis of the respiratory center and circulatory failure. If the patient does not leave the scene and rescue in time, danger will easily occur.

Chronic poisoning: Refers to the long-term exposure of patients to low-concentration carbon dioxide environments, which can cause headaches, dizziness, inattention, and memory loss.

What is the normal range of carbon dioxide concentration?

The normal concentration of carbon dioxide is 23~31mmol/L. When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the human body is in this range, it is generally a normal phenomenon.

Where Does Carbon Dioxide Come From？

Carbon dioxide gas is a part of the atmosphere (accounting for 0.03%-0.04% of the total volume of the atmosphere), and it is abundant in nature, and its production methods mainly include the following:

• Organic matter (including animals and plants) can release carbon dioxide during the process of decomposition, fermentation, decay and deterioration.

• Carbon dioxide is also released during the combustion of petroleum, paraffin, coal, and natural gas.

• Petroleum and coal also release carbon dioxide during the production of chemical products.

• All feces and humic acid can also release carbon dioxide during the fermentation and ripening process.

• All animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide during respiration.

The role of carbon dioxide

Liquid carbon dioxide is often used as a refrigerant, for example in cryogenic testing of aircraft, missiles and electronic components, and as a fire extinguishing agent. Supercritical carbon dioxide can be used as a solvent for dissolving non-polar, non-ionic and low-molecular compounds.

Solid carbon dioxide is commonly used to cool dairy products, meat, frozen meals and other perishable foods during transport. Gaseous carbon dioxide is used in soft drink carbonation, chemical processing, food preservation processes, chemical and food processing inert protection, welding gas and plant growth stimulant.