An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that delivers concentrated oxygen by drawing in ambient air, filtering it, and separating the gases. Since the device does not rely on combustion, it cannot internally generate carbon monoxide (CO). The risk of CO exposure comes entirely from external sources polluting the ambient air around the machine’s intake.
The Core Function of Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen concentrators operate primarily using Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to separate gases. The device pulls in ambient air, which is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The air is compressed and filtered before the concentration process begins.
The compressed air is directed into specialized columns containing zeolite. Zeolite acts as a molecular sieve, selectively adsorbing nitrogen molecules at high pressure. Oxygen molecules pass through the zeolite largely unhindered, creating a highly concentrated oxygen product.
The concentrator uses two columns, alternating the pressure between them for continuous operation. While one column separates gases under high pressure, the other is depressurized to release trapped nitrogen back into the atmosphere. This mechanical process efficiently increases the oxygen content of the delivered air to around 90-95%.
Internal CO Production Risk
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. This process requires fuel, a chemical reaction, and heat, none of which are present in a concentrator’s internal operation. Oxygen concentrators are purely electro-mechanical devices that function by filtering and separating existing gases.
The machine operates through physical principles of adsorption and pressure changes. It contains no internal combustion engines, carbon-based fuels, or chemical reactions that could produce CO. Therefore, the concentrator is chemically incapable of manufacturing carbon monoxide.
The technology is designed solely to increase the percentage of oxygen by removing nitrogen. Any toxic gas, including CO, must have already been present in the ambient air drawn into the intake port. The device simply concentrates whatever gases and contaminants are present.
External Sources of Carbon Monoxide Contamination
The primary risk of CO exposure comes from the surrounding environment. If the air intake is positioned near a source of combustion, the concentrator pulls contaminated air into the system. Since the machine does not filter out CO, the gas is concentrated alongside the oxygen and delivered to the user.
Common household sources of incomplete combustion are frequent culprits. These include improperly vented or malfunctioning gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. Kerosene or propane space heaters are also problematic as they can quickly elevate indoor CO levels.
Vehicle exhaust is another significant source; concentrators should not be used in garages or near windows facing busy streets. Running a car in an attached garage can allow CO to contaminate the air supply. Even minor sources like tobacco smoke contain detectable amounts of carbon monoxide that can be drawn into the device.
Safety Protocols and Air Quality Monitoring
Mitigating CO contamination requires careful attention to the concentrator’s placement and environment. The air intake should be located in a well-ventilated area, safely away from all potential sources of combustion or exhaust fumes. Keep the concentrator at least six to ten feet away from gas appliances, fireplaces, and smoking areas.
A functioning carbon monoxide detector is the most important safety measure. Detectors should be installed and regularly tested on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas and the concentrator. These devices provide an early warning of invisible CO buildup, preventing poisoning.
If a CO alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the area, seek fresh air, and contact emergency services. Regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, such as annual inspections of furnaces and chimneys, also reduces the chance of CO leakage.