What are the safe exposure limits for CO₂ during laser cleaning operations, and how can I monitor them?

Occupational exposure limits for CO₂ as an asphyxiant are set by OSHA at 5,000 ppm (0.5%) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), with a short-term exposure limit of 30,000 ppm (3%) for no more than 10 minutes, and levels above 4% (40,000 ppm) can cause immediate oxygen displacement and loss of consciousness. To monitor, use portable CO₂ gas detectors or multi-gas monitors calibrated for real-time ppm readings in your workspace, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas during laser cleaning. Always ensure oxygen levels remain above 19.5% and integrate alarms that trigger at or below these limits to prevent asphyxiation risks.

Carbon Dioxide laser cleaning visualization showing process effects

Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan

Laser Materials Processing

Published

Jan 6, 2026

Carbon Dioxide Compound

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Carbon Dioxide Compound safety information for laser cleaning. Health hazards, exposure limits, and protective equipment requirements.

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number

124-38-9

Formula

CO₂

Molecular Weight

44.01 g/mol

Health Effects

Asphyxiation At High Concentration

Yes

Respiratory Stimulation

Yes

Narcosis

Yes

Generally Non Toxic

Yes

Source Contaminants

Contaminants that generate this compound during laser cleaning

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

Health Effects

Source Contaminants

Adhesive Residue / Tape Marks Laser Cleaning

Degraded Polymer Deposits

Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup Laser Cleaning

Paint Residue / Coating Failure Laser Cleaning

Rubber Compound Residue

Diamond-Like Carbon Removal

Acid Pickling Stains

Aerospace Sealant Residue

Algae and Lichen Growth

Anti-Seize Compound

Automotive Road Grime

Automotive Undercoating

Biological Blood Residue

Bitumen and Tar Coatings

Bronze Patina and Corrosion

Carbon Deposit Buildup

Carbon Soot Deposits

Chemical Conversion Coating

Chemical Stains / Acid Etching Laser Cleaning

Concrete Dust Deposits

Concrete Efflorescence

Copper Patina / Verdigris Laser Cleaning

Corrosion Inhibitor Coating

Electroplating Solution Residue

Engine Coolant Scale

Environmental Dust Layer Laser Cleaning

Epoxy Resin Deposits

Exhaust System Deposits

Fire and Smoke Damage

Forging Mill Scale

Fuel System Varnish

Gasket Material Residue

Graffiti and Spray Paint

Graphite Deposit Traces

Hard Water Mineral Scale

Heavy Machinery Grease

Hydraulic Fluid Contamination

Insect Impact Residue

Laser Marking Discoloration

Lead-Based Paint Removal

Limescale Deposits

Machining Coolant Residue

Medical Disinfectant Residue

Metal Polish Residue

Mineral Scale / Hard Water Deposits Laser Cleaning

Mineral Staining

Mold and Mildew Growth

Organic Biofilm Deposits

Paint Primer Layers

PCB Oil Contamination

Pesticide Chemical Residue

Pharmaceutical Drug Residue

Pollen Accumulation

Powder Coating Buildup

Printing Ink Residue

Quenching Oil Residue

Semiconductor Processing Residue

Silicone Sealant Buildup

Soap Scum Buildup

Soldering Flux Residue

Steel Surface Corrosion

Surface Radioactive Contamination

Surgical Ink Markings

Thermal Compound Deposits

Threadlocker Adhesive

Tree Sap and Resin

UV Photodegradation / Polymer Chalking Laser Cleaning

Water Staining and Marks

Wax Coating Buildup

White Rust on Galvanized Steel

Wood Rot / Fungal Biodegradation Laser Cleaning

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