Carbon monoxide: Environmental effects
Description
Carbon monoxide can affect the amount of other greenhouse gases, which are linked to climate change.
Very high levels of carbon monoxide will cause the same problems for birds and animals that are experienced by humans, although these levels are unlikely to be experienced in the environment, except in extreme events such as bushfires. At high levels carbon monoxide will cause illness (fatigue, gastric upset) to animals.
At very high levels carbon monoxide will be life threatening. Long term (chronic) exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may produce heart disease and damage to the nervous system.
As with women, exposure of pregnant animals to carbon monoxide may cause low birth-rates and nervous system damage to offspring.
Entering the environment
Industrial and diffuse (e.g. motor vehicles) emissions of carbon monoxide can produce elevated, but still low concentrations in the atmosphere around the source.
Volcanic eruptions, while sporadic, are significant contributors of carbon monoxide in their local area. Fires of all types will also contribute to carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.
Where it ends up
Carbon monoxide is usually emitted to the atmosphere.
Carbon monoxide affects the concentrations of methane (a greenhouse gas) and ozone in the atmosphere.
Environmental guidelines
The National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) has established an ambient air quality standard (outdoor air only) for carbon monoxide. Currently the level is 9 parts per million of carbon monoxide averaged over an 8-hour period, with an allowable exceedence of once a year.
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