What type of gases do atmospheric monitors detect?

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Atmospheric monitors are specifically designed to detect hazardous gases that pose safety risks to personnel in various environments, such as industrial settings and confined spaces. The correct choice highlights carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, both of which are critical for safety in these scenarios.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health issues or even be fatal when inhaled in significant quantities, as it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Hydrogen sulfide, on the other hand, is a colorless gas known for its characteristic rotten egg smell at low concentrations, but it can become extremely dangerous and toxic as concentrations increase. This gas is particularly prevalent in environments such as sewage treatment facilities and petroleum refining.

The other options, while they represent gases that can be monitored in certain contexts, do not align as closely with the primary focus of atmospheric monitoring for immediate health hazards. Nitrogen is inert and not generally considered a risk, whereas methane and propane are primarily hydrocarbons that are flammable but not necessarily toxic in the same way as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Chlorine and ammonia are important to monitor as well, but they are distinct from the immediate, prevalent dangers posed by the first two gases listed

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