Although carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) have similar names, they are two different gases with different chemical properties, sources and detection instruments. The following is a detailed introduction to their differences, as well as the main differences between carbon monoxide detectors and carbon dioxide detectors.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
【Chemical properties】colorless, tasteless, odorless toxic gas with the chemical formula CO.
【Source】Products of incomplete combustion, such as the combustion process of fuels such as coal, wood, gasoline and natural gas.
【Hazards】Binds to hemoglobin, hinders the transport of oxygen in the blood, and may cause poisoning or even death.
【Detector】Carbon monoxide detector, designed for detecting CO gas concentration. Commonly used detection technologies include electrochemistry, catalytic combustion, etc., which can quickly monitor CO concentration and issue alarms in time.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
【Chemical properties】 colorless, tasteless gas with the chemical formula CO₂.
【Sources】 Combustion, respiration, plant photosynthesis, industrial emissions, etc.
【Impact】High concentrations of carbon dioxide can cause respiratory discomfort, but are usually not immediately fatal. It is also a greenhouse gas.
【Detector】Carbon dioxide detectors are designed to measure carbon dioxide concentrations. Common technologies include non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensing, which has high accuracy and stability.