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ii) Blood/Air Solubility Coefficient, S

Knowing S gives the maximum concentration in moles or milligrams/Liter of blood which can be achieved at equilibrium, i.e. it will be the concentration in air (mg/L)  x   S.

Substances with high S values (methanol, ethanol, acetone, ether, etc.) will take a long time to reach equilibrium between inspired air and blood. Substances with low S values (methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) will reach equilibrium between inspired air and blood very quickly. S value can be taken for water at 37oC but be careful (see above).

iii) Oil/Water Partition Coefficient

This will influence the time to reach equilibrium between inspired air and blood in that if the chemical is highly fat soluble the chemical will be extracted from blood. However, fatty tissue is poorly perfused.