Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is considered what type of asphyxiant?

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is classified as a simple asphyxiant. This designation means that CO₂ displaces oxygen in the air, leading to reduced availability of oxygen for respiration. When the concentration of CO₂ increases in the environment, it can cause oxygen deprivation, which can result in suffocation if inhaled in sufficient quantities.

Simple asphyxiants generally refer to substances that can cause asphyxiation by displacing air or oxygen, rather than by chemically interfering with the body’s ability to transport or utilize oxygen. In the case of CO₂, it fills the lungs without being toxic at lower levels, but in high concentrations, it can lead to serious health issues due to lack of oxygen.

Understanding this classification is important for recognizing the hazards associated with environments that have high levels of CO₂, especially in confined spaces or during certain industrial processes.