Carbon monoxide hazard in sub-Antarctic exploration

During a sub-Antarctic expedition, petrol stoves were used for cooking inside tents and snow-holes (snow caves). The carbon monoxide hazard from the use of petrol stoves was assessed by measuring atmospheric levels with direct-reading indicator tubes (Draeger tubes). Levels up to 300 ppm were recorded, higher than previous field experiments have shown. The levels recorded were unlikely to have affected the exercise capacity of expedition members or to have had other serious effects. Direct-reading tubes were a simple and effective means of measurement. One episode of acute serious hazard occurred and is described, but the atmospheric carbon monoxide level was not recorded. It is concluded that the most important hazard from carbon monoxide under mountaineering and exploration conditions is that of acute fatal poisoning.