Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas emitted into the atmosphere primarily from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, oil and wood. The major source of CO in urban locations is motor vehicle exhaust emissions. Minor sources include fireplaces, industry, aircraft and natural gas combustion. Forest fires are also an important natural source of CO.

Monitoring Method
CO is monitored continuously by either non dispersive infrared photometry or gas filter correlation. The non dispersive infrared photometry process is based upon the absorption of infrared light by CO. Gas filter correlation is operated on the same principle as non-dispersive infrared photometry but is more specific to CO by eliminating water vapour, CO₂ and other interferences.

Objectives
The Objectives for CO are based on the prevention of adverse human health effects. Alberta has adopted Environment Canada's most rigorous ambient air quality objective for CO. Maximum permissible CO concentrations are:

13.0 ppm as a 1-hour average concentration; and
5.0 ppm as an 8-hour average concentration.

	Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas emitted into the atmosphere primarily from incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, oil and wood. The major source of CO in urban locations is motor vehicle exhaust emissions. Minor sources include fireplaces, industry, aircraft and natural gas combustion. Forest fires are also an important natural source of CO. Monitoring Method CO is monitored continuously by either non dispersive infrared photometry or gas filter correlation. The non dispersive infrared photometry process is based upon the absorption of infrared light by CO. Gas filter correlation is operated on the same principle as non-dispersive infrared photometry but is more specific to CO by eliminating water vapour, CO₂ and other interferences. Objectives The Objectives for CO are based on the prevention of adverse human health effects. Alberta has adopted Environment Canada's most rigorous ambient air quality objective for CO. Maximum permissible CO concentrations are: 13.0 ppm as a 1-hour average concentration; and 5.0 ppm as an 8-hour average concentration.