Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel.  Most carbon monoxide in the atmosphere comes from motor vehicles and so is higher in areas where traffic is concentrated.


Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen around our bodies and so is very dangerous especially in confined spaces.


The air quality limit for carbon monoxide is 10 milligrams per cubic metre and this limit has never been exceeded at any monitoring station in Ireland .


The graph below shows maximum eight hour concentrations measured in Dublin and Cork from 2002 to 2012. All levels recorded are within the limit value.

Trend in annual mean carbon monoxide concentrations 2002 - 2012
Air Quality of Ireland 2012 (EPA, 2013)

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