CO In Your Coffee? : Weird Space Hazards - Vol. 1

"Carbon Monoxide Release from Whole Bean Roasted Coffee in Storage"

McCarrick
Letter
Neal

Jul-2019

Abstract:
Industrial coffee producers have experienced a few hazardous events
involving carbon monoxide poisoning of employees working in enclosed
spaces where roasted coffee has previously been. Coffee stored in
flexible bags are fitted with vent valves allowing the off-gassing
carbon dioxide to escape without stressing the bag and without allowing
oxygen to enter causing degradation of the beans. What has not been
considered until recently is the presence of carbon monoxide at much
lower levels along with the carbon dioxide. The Naval Surface Warfare
Center Philadelphia Division has worked with a coffee producer to
quantify the carbon monoxide release from freshly roasted beans. The
levels of carbon monoxide in an enclosed space can easily reach toxic
levels in a modest amount of time. Reasonable precautions are necessary
to prevent accidental harm to people working in enclosed spaces where
coffee is roasted or stored.

https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/handle/2346/84940

On 7/30/2019 4:32 PM, David Spain wrote:
....
The Naval Surface Warfare
Center Philadelphia Division has worked with a coffee producer to
quantify the carbon monoxide release from freshly roasted beans.
....

What can kill you in a submarine can also kill you in space...

Dave