Smoke and noxious odors are readily detectible in closed spaces. Ventilation rates to eliminate odors from berthing areas and living quarters are considerably in excess of those required to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Tobacco smoke is likewise difficult to remove from confined spaces aboard ship, particularly in submarines where air is recirculated. Noxious odors are not physically harmful, but tend to exert an unfavorable effect on appetite and morale. Tobacco smoke, on the other hand, may have varied harmful effects on smokers as well as non-smokers.
Smoke acts as an irritant to the eyes and respiratory membranes.
50 parts per million and exposure for 8 hours daily. Fuel combustion gases and fuel vapors have toxic effects upon personnel. In the area of thermal physiology, these gases and vapors cause vasodilation of the peripheral blood vessels at times when cardiovascular stability has already been compromised. Since humans cannot increase their existing circulating blood volume to compensate for the marked increase of their cardiovascular system capacity, the resultant effect is to incur further impairment of the cardiovascular system to meet the physiologic demands of the work and environment. This produces a critical impact when the added load of heat stress is present.