What is the primary hazard associated with high CO2 levels during combustion?

The primary hazard associated with high CO2 levels during combustion is the risk of asphyxiation. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the environment can lead to a reduction in the amount of oxygen available for breathing. When CO2 concentrations increase significantly, they can displace oxygen in the air, potentially leading to suffocation and serious health risks for anyone inhaling the gas.

While increased corrosion rates and decreased efficiency can also be concerns within combustion systems, they are not directly related to the immediate and severe health hazards posed by high CO2 levels. Likewise, while flammability is a crucial safety concern, CO2 is actually a non-flammable gas and does not promote flammable conditions; instead, it works as a mitigator of fire risk by displacing oxygen. Thus, understanding the dangers of asphyxiation is vital for safety in environments where combustion takes place, marking it as the primary hazard to be concerned about.