Which type of asphyxiants interfere with oxygen absorption into the bloodstream?

Chemical asphyxiants are substances that interfere with the body's ability to absorb or utilize oxygen in various ways. Unlike simple asphyxiants, which displace oxygen in the environment, chemical asphyxiants specifically target the body's physiological processes. For instance, they may bind with hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing oxygen transport, or disrupt cellular respiration at the metabolic level, rendering the cells unable to use the oxygen that is available.

Examples of chemical asphyxiants include carbon monoxide, which binds with hemoglobin more readily than oxygen, and cyanide, which inhibits the cellular processes that utilize oxygen. Understanding the mechanism by which chemical asphyxiants act is crucial for safety professionals when assessing risk and implementing safety protocols in environments where these hazards may be present. This focus on the biochemical effects distinguishes chemical asphyxiants from others, providing a clearer understanding of their potential dangers in occupational settings.