Inhaled Gas Volume Based on Gas Flow and Ventilation Rate in Confined Spaces During Chemical Accidents and Chemical Terrorism

This study examined gas diffusion and accumulation characteristics through a CO2 gas discharge experiment conducted in a confined space. The experiment was performed at three flow rates (5, 15, and 25 L/min), and the changes in CO2 concentration were monitored over time using measuring instruments placed in multiple layers. Furthermore, the CO2 inhalation volume was assessed based on physical characteristics through an inhalation experiment utilizing rescue dummies that mimic real rescue subjects. Accordingly, the variation in CO2 exposure based on respiratory capacity, influenced by gender and physical characteristics, was quantitatively examined. The experiment revealed that higher flow rates caused an accelerated CO2 accumulation, accompanied by a steep increase in CO2 concentration toward the lower part of the chamber. In the CO2 inhalation experiment using rescue dummies, the child rescue dummy, which had a lower weight and inhalation point than the heavier adult dummy, exhibited a relatively higher CO2 inhalation volume. This study aimed to provide foundational data for formulating response strategies against chemical accidents and terrorism, as well as for developing tailored rescue guidelines that consider the characteristics of rescue subjects.