The ChromAir Carbon Monoxide Badge is a color-indicating, passive chemical exposure badge designed to make monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) exposure easy and accurate. Ideal for both personnel and area monitoring, these badges are a reliable tool for maintaining workplace safety.
Each box contains 10 badges, and for higher resolution readings, the badge can be used with the ChromAir Carbon Monoxide Color Comparator (part number: 384006).
Introduction to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic even at low concentrations. Common symptoms of exposure include:
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Nausea
Chronic exposure to low CO levels can negatively affect the cardiovascular system, while high or prolonged exposure may result in loss of consciousness or death.
Regulatory limits:
- OSHA: 50 ppm (TWA)
- NIOSH: 35 ppm (TWA)
Carbon monoxide is a common air pollutant, produced during the combustion of gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and coal fuel, making it present in various industrial, residential, and traffic environments.
How the ChromAir Badge Works
The ChromAir passive monitor uses a patented direct-read autogenic exposimeter design. Each badge contains six cells, which are connected to:
- A flat indicator layer
- A series of different diffusive resistances
Operation:
- Carbon monoxide gas diffuses through the diffusive resistances.
- CO reacts with the indicator layer, producing a color change from light brown to dark brown/black.
- The color on the indicator layer directly correlates to the exposure dose (ppm•hr).
For higher accuracy, a Direct Read Color Comparator can be used to visually compare color formation and obtain a precise exposure reading.
Operating Instructions
- Remove the badge pouch from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature.
- Remove the badge from its protective pouch.
- Fill in all ID information (name, location, date, start time).
- Remove the protective strip from the first cell.
- Personnel monitoring: Attach near the breathing zone (e.g., collar).
- Area monitoring: Mount in a centralized location with the front exposed.
- Periodically check the back of the badge to track exposure dose (ppm•hr).
- To read the badge, locate the highest-level cell with the brown threshold color.
- Calculate the average concentration:
- Exposure Dose (ppm•hr) ÷ Exposure Time (hours) = Average Concentration (ppm)
- Example: If sampling time is 2 hours and badge reads 10 ppm•hr → Average CO = 5 ppm
Storage
To maintain accuracy, the ChromAir Carbon Monoxide Badge should always be stored in its sealed bag in a refrigerator until use.
The ChromAir CO Badge provides a simple, effective, and reliable way to monitor carbon monoxide exposure in the workplace, helping ensure compliance and protect personnel from this dangerous, invisible gas.
You can find this product here: https://www.gas-sensing.com/carbon-monoxide-chromair-badge-380008-10.html
