Predicting the Carboxyhemoglobin Levels Resulting from Carbon Monoxide Exposures

Data from a series of human exposures to carbon monoxide (CO) were analyzed to determine the fit to the theoretical Coburn-Forster-Kane (CFK) equation which describes CO absorption and excretion. The equation was found to predict carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturations for both men and women at exercise rates ranging from sedentary to 300 kpm/min when they were exposed to steady CO concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ppm for 0.33-5.25 h. Methods for determining values of each of the variables in the CFK equation were collected and a rational, efficient procedure for solving the equation by trial and error was outlined. The CFK equation was then used to prepare a graph, relating HbCO saturation to exposure duration and concentration, and also to describe the effect of several variables on the rate of CO uptake and equilibrium HbCO levels, important considerations in the determination of permissible public, occupational, and experimental exposure to CO.