Is carbonic acid dangerous to us?

Answer 1

No. Carbon is a natural substance amongst nature. It's the byproducts of any circulatory in biological systems and land figures based on water systems etc.

However, carbon being processed and mixed with certain things ie. carbon monoxide is dangerous and very toxic.

Carbon cannot be ignited.

Answer 2

Yes and no. Carbon dioxide is a waste product formed from respiration. It is the build up of this that makes you want to take a breath when you are holding your breath, not the lack of oxygen.

However CO2 is also a key ingredient for photosynthesis in plants, without it plants would not be able to convert the organic compounds they require to live. And without plants we would not have enough oxygen to breathe.

[Copy/pasted from: ChemphymathICT answer at 'related questions']

Added:

Carbon dioxide content in fresh air varies between 0.036% (360 ppm) and 0.039% (390 ppm).

Acidosis can be caused by prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations. Carbon dioxide is toxic to the heart muscles.

Toxicity and the 'dose / effect' curve shows the following peaks:

(dose = more than 5 minutes in air with x% by volume of CO2)

• 1% can cause drowsiness.
• At 2% causes increased blood pressure and pulse rate, and causes reduced hearing.
• At about 5% it causes stimulation of the respiratory center, dizziness, confusion and difficulty in breathing accompanied by headache and shortness of breath. Panic attacks may also occur at this concentration.
• At about 8% it causes headache, sweating, dim vision, tremor and loss of consciousness after exposure for between five and ten minutes.
• more can be instantaneously suffocating and 'unvolantary' stopping of breathing

Answer 3

Carbon is the basis of all forms of life (as we have discovered thus far) on earth. It comprises a large portion of the air we breath in the form of CO2 (Carbon dioxide). Plants take in CO2 and turn it into oxygen. This is the basis for the miracle of life on our planet.

You have probably held almost pure carbon before. Graphite or charcoal is nearly 100% carbon. In its purest form it can be ingested and is used medicinally. A lump of charcoal for drawing is created from burning wood at low temperatures.

A favorite form of carbon (for many a lovely lady and gentleman) is the diamond. Diamonds are simply carbon at a very high density--about 1.5 times that of graphite.

There are sometimes when carbon isdangerous:

Carbon monoxide is a by product of burning oil. It comes out of the tailpipe of your car and can accidentally leak from your gas-powered furnace. It does not have a smell and can kill people very quickly.

Carbon is also dangerous is when soot made of carbon powder is inhaled. It can physically damage your lungs.

Carbon is also dangerous as a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide gas is an insulator. The more we have in our atmosphere, the more insulation we have around the planet and the more heat stays trapped. Additional heat can offset weather patterns, melt ice caps and warm the oceans. Even if the oceans warm by a half a degree, it could cause massive changes to fish migration, algae blooms and ocean currents.

Answer 4

Not really as it is a weak acid. Still you should be careful with it as it can burn you if concentrated. You use carbonic acid, H2CO3, in the osteoclasts of the bone to break down old bone in preparation for new bone building and it is part of blood equilibrium buffer systems; the conjugate acid of bicarbonate.

Answer 5

Carbonic acid is generally safe to humans in small quantities, such as that found in Carbonated Beverages. However, in high concentrations, it can be harmful by reducing the pH of the blood, leading to respiratory and metabolic acidosis. Exposure to high levels of carbonic acid can be toxic and cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

may be