Understanding the distinctions between industrial and medical oxygen is important, as their applications and regulatory standards differ significantly. Using the wrong type of oxygen can lead to health consequences. This article clarifies why industrial oxygen is unsuitable for medical purposes and outlines appropriate steps during an oxygen-related emergency.
Understanding Different Oxygen Types
Industrial oxygen and medical oxygen represent two distinct categories of this gas, each tailored for specific uses. Industrial oxygen is designed for many manufacturing and industrial processes. For example, it plays a role in metal fabrication, including welding and cutting, by enhancing combustion and increasing furnace temperatures in steel production. It is also used in chemical manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and as an oxidizer in rocket fuel.
Medical oxygen, conversely, is produced for human therapeutic purposes. Healthcare professionals administer medical oxygen to treat various respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, and it is important for patients undergoing surgery or experiencing trauma. Medical oxygen can be administered via masks, nasal prongs, or breathing tubes to provide supplemental oxygen to individuals who cannot obtain enough on their own, such as those with asthma, COPD, or in life-threatening emergencies.
Critical Differences Between Oxygen Grades
The distinctions between industrial and medical oxygen extend beyond their intended uses to encompass differences in purity standards, manufacturing processes, regulatory oversight, and container systems. Medical oxygen, classified as a drug, must meet stringent purity requirements. It must be at least 99.5% pure, with strict limits on contaminants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and moisture. Industrial oxygen has less stringent purity requirements, ranging from 90% to 99%, and may contain various impurities depending on its application.
The production of medical oxygen adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which are quality control standards applied at every stage, from sourcing raw materials to final packaging. This ensures consistent production and control. Industrial oxygen production does not follow these medical-grade standards, meaning its manufacturing processes are not designed to eliminate impurities that could harm a patient.
Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate medical oxygen as a drug, ensuring its safety, efficacy, and purity. These regulations cover all aspects of production, including equipment maintenance, personnel training, and labeling. Industrial oxygen is regulated differently, often under occupational safety or environmental standards, rather than for human consumption. It is not subjected to the same level of scrutiny for human safety.
Finally, medical oxygen is stored in dedicated, sterile, and standardized cylinders and delivery systems to prevent contamination and ensure proper administration. These cylinders are often labeled as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) grade, meeting specific purity and filling requirements. Industrial cylinders and delivery systems do not meet these strict standards and may not be cleaned or maintained to prevent cross-contamination suitable for medical use.
Dangers of Using Industrial Oxygen Medically
Administering industrial oxygen to a patient carries health risks due to impurities and lack of proper handling controls. Industrial oxygen may contain various contaminants such as particulates, oil, dust, excess nitrogen, argon, or carbon monoxide. Inhaling these impurities can cause respiratory irritation, inflammation, lung damage, or systemic toxicity.
For example, carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas often found as an impurity, binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen to organs like the heart and brain, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, confusion, and even death. Medical oxygen is very dry, which is important for respiratory health. Industrial oxygen, however, may not have the same stringent moisture controls.
Excess moisture in inhaled gas can lead to the growth of bacteria or fungi in the delivery system, introducing pathogens into the patient’s respiratory tract, or causing airway irritation. Industrial oxygen delivery systems are not designed for precise medical administration. Using such equipment could lead to incorrect flow rates or pressures, which might harm a patient.
Inaccurate oxygen delivery can result in either insufficient oxygenation (hypoxia) or over-oxygenation, both of which can be detrimental to a patient’s health. Beyond physiological dangers, there can be legal implications for individuals or entities who administer non-medical grade oxygen in an emergency.
Because medical oxygen is classified and regulated as a drug, its misuse or the use of an unapproved substitute can lead to serious legal consequences, including liability for patient harm.
Responding to an Oxygen Emergency
In a medical emergency where supplemental oxygen might be needed, the immediate action is to contact emergency medical services (EMS) by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Emergency responders are equipped with appropriate medical-grade oxygen and trained to administer it safely.
While waiting for professional medical help, providing basic life support or first aid measures is important. This includes ensuring the person’s airway is open and clear, and positioning them comfortably to ease breathing. If the person has prescribed medication for breathing difficulties, such as an asthma inhaler, assist them in using it.
Industrial oxygen should never be used as a substitute for medical oxygen. Its contaminants and lack of proper controls make it unsafe for human inhalation. Only trained medical professionals should administer oxygen, and they will always utilize appropriate medical-grade supplies and equipment.
Emergency oxygen systems, even those available for first aid, are specifically designed to deliver a minimum flow rate of medical oxygen, 6 liters per minute for at least 15 minutes, and are clearly labeled for medical use. Relying on professional medical intervention ensures the patient receives safe and effective care.