1. What is medical oxygen?
Medical oxygen is a highly concentrated oxygen that is used for medical purposes. In contrast to normal breathing oxygen, it has a purity of at least 99.5 percent and contains only very small amounts of impurities such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
2. How is medical oxygen produced?
Medical oxygen is usually obtained by separating air components. To do this, compressed air is generated in a compressor and then cleaned and dried. The oxygen is then separated from the other air components using membrane or pressure swing adsorption technology.
3. Areas of application of medical oxygen
Medical oxygen is used in various areas of healthcare. It is used for chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma and can also help with acute respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It is also often used during operations or in emergency medicine.
4. The importance of medical oxygen in emergency medicine
Medical oxygen plays a crucial role in emergency medicine, as it can be a stabilizing measure in many life-threatening situations such as heart attacks or strokes. It helps to supply the body with sufficient oxygen and minimize potential damage.
5. Benefits and risks of using medical oxygen
The benefits of using medical oxygen lie primarily in its effectiveness in treating respiratory diseases and emergency situations. However, if used improperly, there may also be an increased risk of lung injury or burns.
6. Storage and transport of medical oxygen
Medical oxygen must be stored and transported safely to ensure continuous availability. It is usually stored in special pressure vessels that must be regularly checked for safety.
7. Differences between industrial and medical oxygen
Industrially used oxygen is less pure than medical oxygen and often contains impurities such as nitrogen or carbon monoxide. It is mostly used for industrial purposes such as welding or metal processing.
8. Cost and availability of medical oxygen
Medical oxygen is an essential element in healthcare and must be available at all times. The cost of medical oxygen can vary depending on the region, but is usually covered by health insurance for patients.
9. The role of the physician in prescribing medical oxygen
The prescription of medical oxygen is the sole responsibility of the doctor. He decides on the need and dosage of oxygen and also monitors the course of treatment.
10. Conclusion: Medical Oxygen - An Essential Element in Healthcare
Medical oxygen is an essential part of healthcare and can be life-saving in many respiratory diseases and emergency situations. However, safe storage, transport and use are just as important as correct prescription by the doctor.
The most important facts:
durability
Medical oxygen is a medicinal product according to the Medicines Act and as such can be used for medical purposes 3 years after it is filled.
Physical and chemical properties
Appearance: compressed, colorless gas
Odor: odorless
Molecular weight: 32 g/mol
Relative density: gaseous (air=1) 1.105
Critical temperature: -119 °C
Critical pressure: 50.4 bar
Explosion limit: (in air) not applicable
Flash point: (in air) not applicable
Ignition point: (in air) not applicable
Boiling point/boiling range: -183 °C
Melting point/melting range: -219°C
Water solubility: 39 mg/l
stability and reactivity
Violent reaction or explosion possible on contact with organic and highly flammable substances. Ignition of flammable substances or substances that are not flammable under atmospheric conditions in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere can cause deflagration or explosion. Do not mix with unsaturated hydrocarbons, fluorine, silanes, phosphine, nitrogen monoxide, hydrogen (oxyhydrogen gas). Organic substances are strongly oxidized.
toxicological information
Inhalation:
Inhalation of 100% medical oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure for 24 hours may cause malaise and retrosteral pressure. Low partial pressures and shorter exposures do not cause symptoms. Inhalation of pure oxygen at higher pressures (2-4 atm) causes malaise, pressure under the breastbone, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, spasmodic cough, shortness of breath, hyperexcitability, impaired judgment, muscle twitching, visual, hearing and balance disorders, unconsciousness, long-lasting convulsions.
information on ecology
There are no known harmful effects of this product on the environment.
