What are the harmful products of combustion?

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

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

Answer 8

Carbon dioxide and water

Answer 9

Carbon monoxide, carbon

Answer 10

carbon dioxide and monoxide