Both Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) are dangerous gases in their own right when inhaled in any quantity, restricting oxygen from reaching essential organs.
HCN can lead to latent cancers. But together, they are far more dangerous; protection from the ‘Toxic Twins’ as they are known, is essential during and after any emergency situation involving fire. Symptoms begin with headaches, chest tightness, dizziness, and burns around the mouth and nose, but exposure harms cells, in the heart, brain, and the most vulnerable nerve system.
As well as using the correct PPE and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for fires, detection of these gases is essential, as they can go on being released even after the initial hazard appears to have ended. Anchor Safety experts can help you choose all of this equipment, including gas detection equipment for CO and HCN which sounds and indicates a warning of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide’s presence in the immediate environment.
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