Incomplete combustion

How is it different?

Incomplete combustion takes place when there is not enough oxygen for the fuel to react with.

Instead of carbon dioxide and and water being made. Carbon monoxide and soot are made as well.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and very toxic gas that reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Carbon Monoxide poisoning kills 20 people a year in the UK.

Carbon monoxide can be released by gas appliances and flues in the home that have not been properly maintained. It is also produced in combustion engines in cars and other vehicles.

Soot

In incomplete combustion carbon that hasn’t reacted is left over this is called soot.

Carbon particles are produced in the combustion of long chain hydrocarbons, such as in the wax in candles. The carbon particles glow in the heat of the flame and give it a yellow colour.

Carbon particles in the air can cause breathing problems for some people and can also stop plants from photosynthesising if their leaves become covered in soot.