Ambient Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation Catalyst for Use
in Respiratory Protective Devices Dames and Warburg 44 Castle
Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6QS In a fire, several toxic
gases are generated which impede escape and cause permanent
injuries and distress to the victims. The technologies for
removing these gases are well founded. Most of the toxic gases
concerned can be removed by adsorption, except carbon monoxide,
which is scrubbed by catalytic oxidation to form carbon dioxide
gas, which is harmless to human health. Carbon monoxide is
odourless, colourless and tasteless which makes its detection by
sensory organs impossible. It is a poisonous gas and reacts
physiologically with disastrous consequences and is often fatal.
In fact the major concern in a fire is the first few minutes
before a flash over when the oxygen level is greater than 17%
(enough to sustain breathing); under these circumstances the
victims have no protection as the sensory organs are exposed and
suffer from intoxification by a