Gases

Gases are materials that exist as individual molecules in the air at room temperature. Gases are measured as a percent volume of air, or parts per million (ppm). One percent volume of air is equal to 10,000 ppm.

Examples of gases found in general industry include:

• Gases used for welding and cutting, such as oxygen and acetylene
• Gases used for heating and fuel, such as propane and methane
• Naturally occurring gases in sewers, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide
• Diesel exhaust

Toxic gases can irritate the skin, throat, eyes, or lungs (local health effect), or they may pass from the lungs into the blood stream to damage other parts of the body (systemic health effect).

To learn more about Industrial Chemical Hazards visit our Industrial Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.