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Understanding Carbon Monoxide(CO):Pollution, Health Impacts,Safety Limits And Industrial Solutions.

Blog Banner explaining carbon monoxide (CO) pollution, health impacts, safety limits, and industrial solutions.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide(CO): Pollution, Health Impacts, Safety Limits And Industrial Solutions.

Pollution, especially industrial pollution, is increasing day by day, and the air quality is decreasing as a result. When we talk about air pollution, there are various pollutants like CO2, SO2, and VOC among them. CO, or carbon monoxide,(CO Pollution) is one of them. In this article, we will look into carbon monoxide, its impact on the industrial work environment, health impacts, safety limits, and the solutions required to limit exposure for industry.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?- CO Pollution

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, flammable gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is slightly less dense than air and is soluble in water. 

How Carbon Monoxide is Generated:

Carbon monoxide (CO) generated by natural gas, wood, or gasoline is burned incompletely.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sources:

Natural Sources:

Natural sources of carbon monoxide include the following:

  • Volcanoes
  • Natural Gas
  • Forest Fires
  • Lighting

Man-made sources

Man-made or artificial sources of carbon monoxide (CO) are as follows:

  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Barbeques
  • Wood stoves
  • Gas and water heaters
  • Gas stoves
  • Fuel-fired heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Gas dryers

Industrial Sources

  • Metal manufacturing
  • Electricity supply
  • Mining metal, ore, and coal
  • Food manufacturing
  • Extracting oil and gas from land or sea
  • Production of chemicals
  • Cement, lime, plaster 
  • Concrete manufacturing 
  •  Petroleum refining

Industrial Processes That Generate CO

  • Laser Cutting
  • Soldering 
  • Plasma Cutting
Infographic explaining carbon monoxide (CO) pollution, health impacts, safety limits, and industrial solutions.

Health Impacts of Carbon Monoxide(CO Pollution):

Carbon monoxide has Severe health impacts are on industrial workers and all people who are in constant contact with fossil fuel burning and processes that produce carbon monoxide, which are listed above. Some of the important health impacts are listed below:

Short-term:
 exposure from breathing carbon monoxide can cause:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Damage to the heart and brain
  • Unconsciousness

Breathing in high amounts of carbon monoxide is life-threatening.

Long-term:
Exposure to high carbon monoxide levels can cause:

  • Miscarriage
  • Damage to a developing fetus
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Heart failure

Safety Limits for Carbon Monoxide (CO Pollution):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for carbon monoxide (CO) is 50 parts per million (ppm). This means that the average concentration of CO in the air over an 8-hour period should not exceed 50 ppm. The 8-hour PEL for CO in maritime operations is also 50 ppm.

You can read various safety limits for CO here.

In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also set some norms about carbon monoxide exposure. These are as follows:

For industries, the 8-hour PEL of CPCB for industrial, residential, rural, and other areas is 02 mg/m3, and for 1 hour, PEL is 04 mg/m3. The 8-hour PEL of the conditional and sensitivity areas declared by the central government . is 02 mg/m3, and the 1-hour PEL is 04 mg/m3.

Solutions for Carbon Monoxide (CO Pollution) Exposure in Industries:

To limit the exposure of carbon monoxide (CO) in industries and mitigate the risks for industrial workers.

  • Measurement through CO sensors: Industries should monitor and measure carbon monoxide (CO) by using carbon monoxide monitoring sensors, through which they can monitor, control, and measure carbon monoxide exposure.
  • Using extraction solutions: Industries must use extraction solutions to control CO exposure in the industrial environment. Solutions such as Filter on Soldering Fumes Extraction Solutions, Filter on Laser Fumes Extraction Solutions, and Filter on Plasma Cutting Fumes Extraction Solutions are for controlling soldering fumes, laser cutting fumes, and plasma cutting fumes exposure, which also results in CO exposure.
  • Using ventilation solutions: Industries must use ventilation solutions such as LEV (local exhaust ventilation) for a clean air environment in the workplace. 
  • No Vehicle Use for Walking Distance:  Everyone should follow the no vehicle use policy for walking distance, which can reduce CO in the environment. Making such little effort can create a big impact on the environment in the long run, which is the best initiative for our long-term goal, “Mission Zero Pollution.” 
Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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Clearing the Air: Understanding NO₂ Pollution, Health Risks, Safety Standards, and Industrial Solutions

NO₂ Pollution: Health Risks, Safety Standards & Industrial Solutions
NO₂ Pollution: Health Risks, Safety Standards & Industrial Solutions

Clearing the Air: Understanding NO₂ Pollution, Health Risks, Safety Standards, and Industrial Solutions

Air pollution is an important and serious issue, as the world is facing critical consequences due to its impact on people's health. Government . agencies took serious action against those who caused pollution. Nitrogen oxide is one of the primary air components in the air and, if inhaled, is dangerous to health. In this article, we will discuss nitrogen oxide (NO₂ )'s role as a pollutant, health effects due to NO₂ Pollution, safety limits, and industrial solutions and precautions amid its exposure.

What is nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ) & NO₂ Pollution

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ) is a gaseous air component composed of nitrogen and oxygen. NO₂  is one of a group of related gasses called nitrogen oxides, or NOx. NO₂ is created when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, methane gas (natural gas), or diesel are burned at high temperatures.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) as a Pollutant:

Natural Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂):

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can be formed from both natural and human activity. Natural sources include:

  • lightning strikes
  • volcanoes
  • oceans
  • biological decay

Combustion creates oxides of nitrogen, a major portion of which is nitrogen dioxide. When vehicles emit oxides of nitrogen, 90 to 95 percent of the emissions are nitric oxide (NO).

However, nitric oxide quickly oxidizes in outdoor air when reacting with oxygen, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form nitrogen dioxide. The oxidation process occurs indoors, but at a slower rate.

Man-Made Sources:

The main source of nitrogen dioxide resulting from human activities is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil), especially fuel used in cars.

Industrial sources that are responsible for nitrogen oxide (NO₂) are as follows:

Welding:

Nitrous gasses are often responsible for acute poisoning when welding. They occur during gas welding and arc welding processes.

Other than welding, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can be found in the following processes:

  • Nitric acid manufacturing
  • Titanium pickling
  • Stainless steel pickling
  • Aluminum bright dip
  • Metal finishing
  • Precious metals refining
  • Chemical etching
  • Fertilizer production
  • Glass making
  • Industrial boilers
  • Aqueous chemical production 

Health Impacts of Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂ Pollution):

Breathing air with a high concentration of NO₂ Pollution can irritate the airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions, and visits to emergency rooms. Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO₂ Pollution may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. People with asthma, as well as children and the elderly, are generally at greater risk for the health effects of NO₂ Pollution.

NO₂ , along with other NOx, reacts with other chemicals in the air to form both particulate matter and ozone. Both of these are also harmful when inhaled due to their effects on the respiratory system.

As per the 1998 National Research Council Committee on Toxicology study, which investigated incidents of accidental exposure to NO₂ Pollution, Workers in agriculture, mining explosions, space exploration, and military activities have been accidentally exposed to high concentrations of NO₂ Pollution, resulting in a wide range of severe medical ailments, including:

  • breathing difficulty
  • fever
  • bronchial pneumonia
  • acute bronchitis
  • death

In short, the health impact of nitrogen dioxide categories is:

Short-term:
Breathing nitrogen oxides can cause:

  • Irritation of the respiratory system, eyes, and skin
  • Aggravation of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma
  • Coughing and choking
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing

Skin and eye contact with nitrogen oxide gases or liquid nitrogen dioxide can cause irritation and burns.

Long-term:
 Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause:

Exposure to very high levels of nitrogen oxides may cause:

  • Death
  • Genetic mutations
  • Harm to a developing fetus
  • Decreased female fertility
  • Spasms
  • Swelling of the throat
  • Rapid pulse 
  • Dilated heart

Safety Limits for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂ Pollution):

In the industrial environment, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) has exposure limits set by OSHA that are as follows:.

Safety guidelines by OSHA for NO₂ Pollution

The EPA limit for Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂) exposure is as follows:

The official level of the annual NO₂ standard is 0.053 ppm, equal to 53 ppb, which is shown here for the purpose of clearer comparison to the 1-hour standard.

In India CPCB has set the norms for Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂) exposure limits that are as follows:

NO₂ Pollution CPCB Standards
NO₂ Pollution Safety Precautions

How do I evaluate the exposure to nitrogen 

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services fact sheet to evaluate exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), here are some answers to the following questions:

  • How hazardous is the substance?
  • How much of the substance is released into the workplace?
  • Whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur?

Safety Precautions for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Exposure:

  1. Change the NO₂-exposed clothes immediately.
  2. Eye wash fountains are required at the workplace for emergency use.
  3. If skin exposure happens, then emergency shower facilities should be provided.
  4. In an emergency, if the exposure limit is 20 PPM or higher, then you must use strong self-breathing apparatus approved by NIOSH with a full face piece. 
Solutions for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂ Pollution) Exposure in Industries:

Nitrogen dioxide is harmful for industrial workers, especially welders, so industries need to take care and implement solutions to control exposure to nitrogen dioxide. The following solutions must be implemented:

Using extraction solutions:

Using extraction solutions like Filter on Welding Fumes Extraction Solutions will be very effective for reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure due to welding fumes. This reduces the concentration in the breathing zone of the welder effectively.

Using ventilation solutions:

Using ventilation solutions can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure to some extent, so for the safety of welders, companies must take the necessary precautions for ventilation at the workplace. The ventilation facilities have to be arranged in such a way that the welders work in the supply air stream. Ventilation systems like local exhaust ventilation (LEV) are an effective solution in such scenarios. 

Using personal protective equipment:

If the room ventilation is not adequate in particularly confined spaces, then suitable breathing masks have to be worn. These should be independent from the atmosphere, such as, for example, fresh-air breathing apparatus. Welding helmets with a compressed air supply may also be necessary in confined spaces.

Other Solutions:

Companies should pay attention to certain procedural and workplace-specific factors to ensure that nitrous gasses are released in quantities that are as low as possible. These include, among others:

  • Always use smaller burner sizes and flame lengths.
  • Avoiding free-burning flames or
  • Always maintain a small distance between the burner and the workpiece.
  • Always use low-NOx burners in boilers.
  • Please set policies that reduce the use of diesel transportation.
  • Try to switch diesel fuel-burning vehicles to electric vehicles.
  • Encourage public transport, biking, and walking.
Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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Manual Welding Booth Fume Extraction: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Shop

Manual Welding Fume Extraction: Right Setup for Your Shop
Manual Welding Fume Extraction: Right Setup for Your Shop

Manual Welding Booth Fume Extraction: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Shop

Manual welding is an integral part of almost every manufacturing setup. Unlike robotic welding, which requires a higher investment and budget, manual welding is cost-effective and fits well within most operational budgets. That is why manual welding stations are present in nearly every manufacturing facility. However, an important question remains: what is the status of fume extraction at these manual welding stations?

Large organizations generally have the capability to install fume extraction systems for both manual and robotic welding stations unlike the small ones. In this article, we will cover Manual Welding Booth Fume Extraction in detail and discuss the right setup strategy for your welding shop.

Introduction to Manual Welding Fume Extraction

Manual welding includes various welding processes such as MIG welding, Stick welding, TIG welding, Plasma Arc welding, Electron Beam welding, and Laser welding. Each of these welding types generates fumes with different characteristics and therefore requires a suitable fume extraction system based on the welding process and several operational parameters. These parameters will be discussed one by one, starting with the potential dangers associated with manual welding.

Potential Dangers Due to Manual Welding

The risks associated with manual welding can be broadly categorized into immediate hazards and long-term health consequences, as outlined below.

Immediate Physical Dangers to workers:

  • Risk of getting electric shock: One of the most serious and immediate risks. Contact with live components, such as the electrode holder, can result in severe injury or fatal electrocution, especially in damp or wet conditions.
  • Skin burns: Welding temperatures can exceed 10,000°F, causing instant burns from arc contact, molten metal spatter, or hot workpieces.
  • Fire and Explosions: Sparks and hot spatter can travel up to 35 feet, easily igniting flammable materials, gas cylinders, or residues inside used containers such as drums.
  • Eye Injuries: “Arc eye” or welder’s flash is a painful corneal burn caused by ultraviolet radiation and can occur within seconds. Intense infrared radiation may also lead to immediate retinal damage.

Health Risks from Manual Welding Fumes

Manual welding produces a complex mixture of toxic metal particles and hazardous gases.

  • Respiratory Illness: Short-term exposure can cause metal fume fever, throat irritation, and breathing discomfort. Long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer, kidney cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Neurological Damage: Inhalation of manganese fumes, commonly generated during mild steel welding, can cause irreversible nervous system damage and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Suffocation: In confined spaces, shielding gases such as argon or helium can displace oxygen, leading to rapid unconsciousness or even death.

Long-Term Hazards

  • Radiation Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and ocular melanoma.
  • Hearing Loss: Noise from welding, grinding, and cutting operations often exceeds 85–100 decibels, which can result in permanent hearing damage over time.
  • Muscle or Joint Pains: Repetitive movements and sustained awkward postures can lead to chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain.

2025 Safety Standards

  • Mandatory Controls: Regulatory authorities such as HSE, CPCB, EPA, and OSHA state that welding operations should not be carried out without appropriate fume extraction or respiratory protection, regardless of job duration.
  • Strict Exposure Limits: As of 2025, several regions have reduced workplace exposure limits for welding fumes, including aluminum fumes, to improve worker safety.
Manual Welding Booth Fume Extraction: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Shop

Manual Welding Fume Extraction: What It Is and How It Works

The working principle of a manual welding fume extraction system involves capturing fumes directly at the source. A hood is installed above or beside the welding station and connected to the fume extractor through ducting. Welding fumes are drawn through the hood and ducts into the filtration unit, where fine particulate matter is captured. Clean air is then discharged through the extractor fan back into the workplace or outside, depending on the system design.

A properly engineered fume extraction system is essential to capture hazardous fumes directly at the source before they disperse into the work environment.
Equipment such as a fume collector, fume extractor, or fumes extractor plays a key role in improving workplace safety and ensuring compliance with occupational health standards.
For applications involving gaseous pollutants, a fume scrubber system is commonly used to neutralize harmful vapors before air is released or recirculated.

Welding fume extraction solutions for Manual Welding Booths:

Welding operations generate toxic metal fumes that require effective source capture. A dedicated fume extractor for welding or fume extractor welding setup helps control exposure in manual and automated welding stations.

A complete welding fume extraction system or welding exhaust system is designed based on welding type, enclosure conditions, and duty cycle.

Proper welding fume exhaust not only improves air quality but also supports regulatory compliance, while system selection from certified welding fume extractor manufacturers ensures reliability and long-term performance.

The welding fume extractor price typically depends on airflow capacity, filtration efficiency, and system configuration.

Factors to Consider for Manual Welding Fume Extraction

When selecting a manual welding fume extraction system, several important factors must be considered.

  • Number of Manual Welding Stations:  The number of manual welding stations plays a key role in determining the size and capacity of the fume extraction system. It directly impacts the total airflow requirement and the coverage area of the system.
  • Type of Welding & Manual  welding  fume extraction: Each welding process ARC, MIG, or TIG requires a fume extraction system designed according to its specific fume generation pattern and operational characteristics.
  • Size of Welding Fixture or Table (L × W × H):  The dimensions of the welding table or fixture are essential for calculating the required airflow capacity (CMH) of the fume extraction system.
  • Enclosure Details: The level of enclosure around the welding booth whether fully enclosed, partially enclosed, or open directly affects fume capture efficiency and exposure levels.
  • Material Handling System: The type of material handling system used, such as manual handling, automated systems, or EOT cranes, influences the placement and configuration of the fume extraction system.
  • Welding Cycle Time:; The actual duration of welding operations determines overall fume exposure and helps define the required extraction capacity.
  • Layout Availability: If a detailed layout is available, it becomes easier to plan optimal placement of the fume extractor and ducting. Proper layout planning ensures effective fume control without obstructing worker movement or compromising safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is fume extraction mandatory for manual welding?
 Yes. Safety authorities such as OSHA, HSE, CPCB, and EPA mandate the use of appropriate fume extraction or respiratory controls during manual welding to reduce exposure to hazardous fumes and protect worker health.

Which fume extraction system is best for manual welding booths?
 The ideal system depends on factors such as the welding process, number of welding stations, enclosure design, and airflow requirements. Common solutions include extraction arms, welding hoods, and downdraft tables that capture fumes directly at the source.

Are welding fumes harmful during short welding operations?
 Yes. Even short-term exposure can cause metal fume fever, respiratory irritation, and eye discomfort. Repeated exposure without proper fume control can result in serious long-term health issues.

Can one fume extractor serve multiple manual welding stations?

Yes. A centralized fume extraction system can serve multiple manual welding stations if it is properly designed with adequate airflow capacity, balanced ducting, and effective fume capture at each station.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Health, Safety & Solutions

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Health, Safety & Solutions
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Health, Safety & Solutions

Clearing the Air: Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Examining Pollution, Health Impacts, Safety Limits, and Industrial Solutions for Risk Mitigation

When we think about pollution, we have thoughts about its various sources and main pollutants, such as transportation, industrial pollution, CO2, SO2, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are small organic compounds that are present in the air and play a vital part in air pollution. We are here to discuss the VOC, its impact on health, safety limits, and solutions to restrict the risks associated with VOCs.

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that highly vaporize into the air. Chemicals like benzene, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene. These VOCs are themselves harmful, and some of them combine and form other pollutants as well.

Common products where VOCs are mostly present:

  • Paints, paint strippers, and other solvents
  • Wood preservatives
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Cleansers and disinfectants
  • Moth repellents and air fresheners
  • Stored fuels and automotive products
  • Hobby supplies
  • Dry-cleaned clothing

VOCs as pollutants:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of pollutants that are responsible for air pollution. Some of the sources of VOCs are as follows:

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Health, Safety & Solutions

Natural Sources-

Volatile organic compounds Natural sources are as follows:

  • Plants: Many plants release harmful chemicals, and some can even absorb them.
  • Forest fires: Natural forest fires are a source of VOCs.
  • Anaerobic moors: Anaerobic moors processes are a source of VOCs.
  • Cattle farms: Cow manure is a volatile source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Anything burning: Anything that burns can be a source of VOCs.

Some of the other natural sources include volcanoes and fermentations.

Artificial Sources-

Artificial, man Made sources of VOCs include fuel production, distribution, and combustion, with the largest source being emissions from motor vehicles due to either evaporation or incomplete combustion of fuel and from biomass burning.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are industrial solvents, fuel oxygenates, and by-products from water treatment. They are often found in petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents.

VOCs can come from industrial sources such as:

  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Power generation
  • Manufacturing chemicals
  • Crude oil processing
  • Some metal production processes

Other sources of VOCs include:

  • Gasoline, fuels, and solvents
  • Paints, stains, strippers, and finishes
  • Pesticides
  • Personal care products
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Cleaners and room deodorizers
  • New cabinets, furniture, and beds
  • New carpets, rugs, and wood floors

According to Energy Education, a major contributor to VOCs is the evaporation of hydrocarbon-rich liquids. These include:

  • Gasoline from car tanks or refueling stations
  • Industrial solvents such as oil-based paint
  • Barbecue starter fluid
  • Cleaning products

Health Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The health effects of VOCs are as follows:

The health effects of VOCs on industrial workers and general people are categorized by short-term exposure and long-term exposure limits. Short-term exposure effects on health are immediate, and they have been for short periods of time, may be a few hours or a few days, whereas long-term health effects can be long-term exposure, may be a few years, to permanent effects on health. Both are categorized as under.

Short-term:
Short-term exposure to various VOCs may cause:

  • Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Visual disorders
  • Memory problems

Long-term:
Long-term exposure to various VOCs may cause:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
  • Cancer

Industrial Safety Limits for VOCs

Safety Guidelines for Industries by CPCB With respect to VOC exposure

The industries can look more closely at the following aspects for the control of VOCs:

  • Closed handling system for chemicals.
  • Improved solvent recovery through the use of some special condensers and subcooling systems.
  • Mechanical seal for chemical handling pumps.
  • LDAR system – Venting of storages with trap receiver and condenser.
  • Training for the laborers and staff.
  • Proper system of loading and unloading of solvents.
  • Proper solvent recovery systems.
  • Work environment monitoring with respect to VOC has to be conducted and compared with the Factories Act’s occupational health standards.
  • All the emissions emitting sources are to be channeled through ducts to a common conduit, and after advanced condensers and/or scrubbing with relevant or proper scrubbing, the treated emissions are to be let into the air.

Solutions for VOC exposure in industrial environments:

Solutions for VOC exposure in industries are as follows:

Proper Ventilation Measures:

Proper ventilation measures, such as LEV (local exhaust ventilation), must be installed in high-exposure areas of industries for worker safety.

Use of Extraction Systems:

Using extraction systems like Filter On India’s Clean Air Solutions in welding fumes solutions, oil mist extraction and dust collection solutions like welding fumes extractors, oil mist collectors, dust collectors, downdraft tables, and ESP filtration systems with HEPA must be used to control VOC exposure in industrial environments.

Follow guidelines set by authorities.

With regards to worker safety, industries must follow guidelines set by different authorities, such as OSHA, EPA, and CPCB, to control VOC exposure in industries.

Industrial safety limits for VOCs are provided by OSHA,EPA, ACGIH, and in the Indian context, CPCB.

As per OSHA, ACGIH, and NIOSH, the permissible exposure limits for VOCs are as follows-

Exposure Limits
OSHA (PEL)for general industry: 50 ppm (240 mg/m3) TWA; Skin for the Construction Industry: 50 ppm (240 mg/m2) TWA; Skin for Maritime: 50 ppm (240 mg/m2) TWA; Skin
ACGIH (TLV)20 ppm; Appendix A3: Confirmed Animal Carcinogens with Unknown Relevance to Humans
NIOSH (REL)5 ppm (24 mg/m2) TWA
NIOSH (IDHL)700 ppm

The OSHA standards for VOCs can be read here.

Another example of regulations relating to VOC safety includes the EPA’s regulation 40 CFR 59. This federal regulation, “National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer and Commercial Products,” targets overseas manufacturers and importers of certain products and seeks to ensure that such parties remain in compliance with VOC emission standards.

In the Indian context, the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) has set the permissible exposure limits for pollutants, so for VOCs, its limits are as follows:

Moreover, there is no legislation for VOC in ambient air in India. As per the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of India, benzene is the only VOC whose standard has been prescribed as 5 μg/m3 since November 2009.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune, or mail us at : marketing@filter-on.com

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Understanding CO2: Pollution, Impact And Proactive Solutions.

CO2 Pollution
CO2 Pollution

Understanding CO2: Pollution, Impact And Proactive Solutions.

In today’s world, air pollution is a huge and serious issue. Alarming sea levels and the effects of global warming are seen everywhere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major pollutant among all pollutants. It’s effects on the health and environment are problematic in nature. When we talk about industrial pollution, it is one of the problems as well, so in this article, we’ll discuss CO2 and the role of CO2 in air pollution. Its impact on industrial workers as well as industries, the environment, preventive measures, compliance, etc.

What is CO2?

Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CO2. It is made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalently double-bonded to two oxygen atoms.

CO2 as a Pollutant

Carbon dioxide is a major pollutant in air pollution. When talking about air pollution, this greenhouse gas has a major portion in it.

Sources of CO2 Pollution in the Industrial Indoor Work Environment

There are numerous sources of CO2 pollution. We are here discussing CO2 and its effects on the workplace environment and workers health.

There are mainly four types of sources of CO2 often seen in the indoor industrial environment.

Respiration from employees.
Burning of fuels
Industrial Operations
Goods Transportation

Respiration from Employees

In a close work environment, mostly in offices, CO2 is mostly generated by respiration among the employees.

Burning of Fossil Fuels

The burning of fossil fuels for the operation of machinery is another way of generating CO2, and if there is low ventilation, the CO2 can be hazardous to the workers.

Industrial Operations-

Industrial operations, i.e., processes like welding, cutting, and brazing of metals, generate CO2 because fumes from these processes are more hazardous to the health of the workers. These processes produce more CO2, and without proper ventilation and fume collection systems, in most of the industries, workers face various health issues due to CO2 pollution.

Goods Movement-

Goods movement or transportation in a closed environment where trucks and cranes are used for goods movement in large premises generates CO2 generated through vehicles, which is harmful for the workers and employees who used to work there.

Thus, CO2 as a pollutant plays a major role in industrial indoor air pollution.

Impact of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) on Health:
Short-Term Health Effects:
Exposure to high carbon dioxide levels can cause:

Suffocation by displacement of air: The suffocation-exposed person has no warning and cannot sense the oxygen level is too low, so it leads to a breathing issue.

Incapacitation and unconsciousness: At high concentrations, carbon dioxide can cause unconsciousness and respiratory arrest within one minute.

Headaches: Excessive amounts of carbon dioxide inhalation can cause headaches.

Vertigo and double vision: Carbon dioxide exposure can cause vertigo and double vision. At high levels of exposure, the carbon dioxide itself can cause vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms like double vision.

Inability to concentrate: High exposure levels of CO2 lead to concentration problems while working; suffocating environments can cause an inability to concentrate, which results in productivity loss.

Tinnitus: According to one study, chronic tinnitus is related to multisensory environmental hypersensitivity, including CO2 thresholds. Another study reports that tinnitus has been reported in hearing loss secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Seizures: Carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase brain excitability, which can lead to spontaneous seizures.

Breathing in high amounts of carbon dioxide may be life-threatening.

Touching liquid carbon dioxide can cause frostbite or blisters.

Carbon dioxide can cause frostbite when anyone is in contact with solid CO2 (dry ice) and vapors off-gassing from dry ice.

These frostbite blisters on the skin may begin to feel warm—a sign of serious skin involvement. If you treat frostbite with rewarming at this stage, the surface of the skin may appear mottled. And you may notice stinging, burning, and swelling. A fluid-filled blister may appear 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin.

Long-Term Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to carbon dioxide may cause:

Changes in bone calcium-induced respiratory acidosis induced by an elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) environment should provoke hypercalciuria with related total body and subsequent bone calcium losses. often leads to osteoporosis.

Changes in body metabolism: In the human body, carbon dioxide is formed intracellularly as a byproduct of metabolism.

Levels of CO2 Exposure to Health

Safe exposure limits for carbon dioxide (CO2):

According to the US Health Department, carbon dioxide is not generally found at hazardous levels in indoor environments. The MNDOLI has set workplace safety standards of 10,000 ppm for an 8-hour period and 30,000 ppm for a 15-minute period. This means the average concentration over an 8-hour period should not exceed 10,000 ppm, and the average concentration over a 15-minute period should not exceed 30,000 ppm. It is unusual to find such continuously high levels indoors and extremely rare in non-industrial workplaces. These standards were developed for healthy working adults and may not be appropriate for sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly. MDH is not aware of lower standards developed for the general public that would be protective of sensitive individuals.

In the Indian context, the exposure limits for CO2 are as follows: CO2 < 1000 PPM (home) < 5000 PPM (workplace-short duration).

Proactive Solutions for CO2 Emissions in Industries


Measure your CO2 levels in industries.
You can measure CO2 levels at your workplace by using a CO2 sensor. The most common type of sensor is the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor. This sensor measures infrared light in a sample of air. NDIR sensors are popular because they have a long life, are fast, and have low cross-sensitivity to other gases. They can measure CO2 concentrations with high accuracy across a wide range of volumes. The measuring unit detects the CO2 concentration and converts it into a digital display.

Use renewable energy solutions.
You can use renewable energy solutions for CO2 reduction from traditional energy sources. Sources like solar energy and wind energy can reduce the carbon footprint and make industries self-sustainable in the long run.
Use ventilation solutions.
Using ventilation solutions such as local exhaust ventilation, an adequate amount of air flow through windows, and proper placement of machines that are responsible for CO2 generation with effective measures can reduce the carbon footprint in industries.

Use extraction solutions.
Clean air solutions like fume extraction, oil/mist collectors, dust collection systems, and laser cutting extraction solutions can reduce CO2 exposure in industries, which helps workers get proper ventilation at work and can have a positive impact on their productivity.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, or Chennai locations.