A chemical (gas or vapor) that can cause death or unconsciousness by suffocation Simple asphyxiants such as nitrogen, either used up or displaced in the air They become especially dangerous in confined or enclosed spaces Chemical asphyxiants, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, interfere with the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen to the tissues
A chemical (gas or vapor) that can cause death or unconsciousness by suffocation Simple asphyxiants such as nitrogen, either use up or displace oxygen in the air They become especially dangerous in confined or enclosed spaces Chemical asphyxiants, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, interfere with the body's ability to absorb or transport oxygen to the tissues
A vapor or gas that can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen) Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated that they reduce oxygen in the air (normally about 21 percent) to dangerous levels (18 percent or lower) Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of working in confined and enclosed spaces
The limiting factor is the available oxygen The minimal oxygen content is 18% by volume, the maximum is usually set to 22% Some axphyxiants present an explosion hazard (OSHA Federal Standard)
A gas whoe primary or most acute health effect is asphyxiation There are two classes of asphyxiant: L Simple asphyxiants, such as nitrogen or methane, which act by replacing oxygen; and chemical asphyxiants, such as carbon monoxide, which cause asphyxiation by preventing oxygen uptake at the cellular level