answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Methane is not toxic below the lower explosive limit of 5% (50000 ppm). However, when methane is present at high concentrations, it acts as an asphyxiant. Asphyxiants displace oxygen in the air and can cause symptoms of oxygen deprivation (asphyxiation). The available oxygen should be a minimum of 18% or harmful effects will result. Methane displaces oxygen to 18% in air when present at 14% (140000 ppm). It is not expected to cause unconsciousness (narcosis) due to central nervous system depression until it reaches much higher concentrations (30% or 300000 ppm) - well above the lower explosive limit and asphyxiating concentrations. Effects of oxygen deficiency are: 12-16% - breathing and pulse rate are increased, with slight muscular incoordination; 10-14% - emotional upsets, abnormal fatigue from exertion, disturbed respiration; 6-10% - nausea and vomiting, inability to move freely, collapse, possible lack of consciousness; below 6% - convulsive movements, gasping, possible respiratory collapse and death. Since exercise increases the body's need for oxygen, symptoms will occur more quickly during exertion in an oxygen-deficient environment. Survivors of oxygen deprivation may show damage to some or all organs including the central nervous system and the brain. These effects may or may not be reversible with time, depending on the degree and duration of the low oxygen and the amount of tissue injury. Some closely related aliphatic hydrocarbons (propane, butane and isobutane) may be weak cardiac sensitizers in humans following inhalation exposures to high concentrations (greater than 5% for isobutane and greater than 10% for propane). Cardiac sensitizers may cause the sudden onset of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and, in some cases, sudden death. Sudden deaths have been reported in cases of substance abuse involving butane and propane. Under stressful conditions and with exposure to high concentrations, the effects of cardiac sensitization may be important for some hydrocarbon gases. The asphyxiant effects of methane may enhance cardiac sensitization. SOURCE: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/methane/health_met.html

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

The complete combustion of methane would yield carbon dioxide and water as the only products of combustion, therefore incomplete combustion would included any other product or byproduct. This usually occurs when there is not enough oxygen present to allow for complete combustion, which can then yield the formation of carbon monoxide and soot (elemental carbon). Also, because air is almost 80% nitrogen, incomplete combustion of methane can also produce nitrogen oxides.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

By incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide can be formed which is extremely harmful. Very low percentages of carbon monoxide can kill.

By complete combustion, carbon dioxide can be formed which is a greenhouse gas.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

It depends entirely on what you are "combusting". If you are burning clean, well-seasoned hickory wood, the toxic byproducts are almost nil, with a properly vented fire. If you are burning natural gas with a proper fuel/air mixture, the toxic byproduct is carbon monoxide, which is not a problem if the exhaust is properly vented. If you are burning a pile of Styrofoam cups, the toxic by-product is hydrogen cyanide gas, which is very lethal if not properly vented, and even if it is, Styrofoam cups should not be burned. It is a matter of what you are burning.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

carbon monoxide which is very harmful 2CH4 + 3O2 --> 2CO + 4H2O carbon monoxide which is very harmful 2CH4 + 3O2 --> 2CO + 4H2O

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

The Main danger of incomplete combustion is the production of carbon monoxide.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

Carbon monoxide which is highly poisonous and has killed many people using faulty appliances.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Carbon dioxide and water

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Carbon monoxide, carbon

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

carbon dioxide and monoxide

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are the harmful products of combustion?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Are electronic cigarettes safe How?

No one really knows yet. Electronic cigarettes are a new product, so there has not been time to study and evaluate their effects on the human body. However, it is probably safe to say that they are substantially less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The by-products of combustion are what makes cigarettes so harmful. There is no combustion with an electronic cigarette, hence, there are no harmful combustion by-products.


Are electronic cigarettes safe?

No one really knows yet. Electronic cigarettes are a new product, so there has not been time to study and evaluate their effects on the human body. However, it is probably safe to say that they are substantially less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The by-products of combustion are what makes cigarettes so harmful. There is no combustion with an electronic cigarette, hence, there are no harmful combustion by-products.


The waste products of combustion leave the internal combustion engine through the?

The waste products of combustion, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, leave the internal combustion engine through the exhaust system via the tailpipe.


What are the products of combustion of a hydrocarbon?

The complete combustion of a hydrocarbon would give carbon dioxide and water as the only products.


What are the products of combustion of a marshmallow?

If the combustion is complete, carbon dioxide and water.


What are the primary products of complete combustion of fossil fuel?

Carbon Dioxide and water are the primary combustion products of fossil fuels.


What are the primary products of complete combustion of fossil fuels.?

Carbon Dioxide and water are the primary combustion products of fossil fuels.


What is the downside of the products formed by complete combustion reactions on which we rely for energy and transportation?

The products of combustion are water and carbon dioxide.


What is the name products of the combustion of sulfur?

Combustion of sulfur produce sulfur oxides.


What does combustion form?

The resulting products of the complete combustion are water and carbon dioxide.


What are problems with combustion?

Some of the problems with combustion include air pollution from the release of harmful gases and particulates, contribution to global warming through the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and depletion of natural resources. Combustion also leads to the generation of ash and other waste products that need to be properly managed.


What products are formed from incomplete combustion during the process?

Incomplete combustion can result in the production of products such as carbon monoxide (CO), soot (carbon particles), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. These byproducts are harmful to the environment and can pose health risks to humans when released into the atmosphere.