At what concentration of carbon monoxide can exposure for one minute be fatal?

The concentration of carbon monoxide that can lead to a fatal outcome after just one minute of exposure is indeed around 1%. At this level, carbon monoxide can displace oxygen in the blood quickly, causing hypoxia and rapid onset of unconsciousness and potentially leading to death if exposure is not swiftly terminated. The critical factors at play are the gas's ability to bind with hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which decreases the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Levels of carbon monoxide above this threshold can overwhelm the body's ability to recover, particularly in exposed individuals without prompt medical intervention.

Understanding the serious risks associated with carbon monoxide at various concentrations highlights the importance of proper ventilation and monitoring in environments where this gas may be present, as well as recognizing the symptoms of poisoning to ensure timely action can be taken.