What is a characteristic of carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is recognized for being odorless and non-toxic at low concentrations, making it a characteristic feature of this gas. In typical environmental conditions, such as in the Earth's atmosphere, carbon dioxide exists without a distinctive smell and does not pose a threat to human health in small amounts. This property allows it to naturally occur in the air we breathe without causing harm.

In contrast, while carbon dioxide can be dangerous at very high concentrations, it is usually safe in typical levels. Recognizing its properties helps in understanding both its role in environmental processes, like photosynthesis and respiration, and in various industrial applications where it is utilized safely.