Carbon Monoxide Tester

This item from our archives is an M.S.A Carbon Monoxide Tester! This device uses colorimetric gas detection and was typically used to measure Co air levels in aircraft cabins. This particular device was likely used around 1943 to monitor and ensure the safety of crew members on long flights. Using the chemical reaction of Carbon monoxide and the tubes of palladium salt, the concentration of Carbon monoxide is measured by the changes in coloring when palladium chloride is produced after the air balloon is squeezed. The Carbon Monoxide tester was incredibly important to the creation of modern day Carbon detectors.