°Compared to 
carbon monoxide, CO
2 is a non-toxic gas, similar to the inert gases. Carbon dioxide is used on welding and lasers; unlike noble gases, it only reacts on water and minerals to produce carbonates and carbonic acid (chiefly referred as carbonation).
            
 
            
              
            
        
          synonyms:
          carbonic acid gas, co₂, e290, acidity regulator