Keep an Eye on These Key Factors When Tracking Carbon Dioxide Levels:

In a world where environmental issues and air pollution are raising concerns, maintaining good indoor and outdoor air quality is crucial. The air you breathe indoors, whether it's in your home, school, or workplace, can significantly impact your health. High levels of CO2, a gas we all produce as we exhale, can indicate poor ventilation or a lack of fresh air, potentially leading to health issues.

How Much CO2 is Normal Indoors?

While CO2 is naturally occurring and generally safe at normal concentrations, it can become harmful when exceeding recommended levels. In residential and commercial buildings, an acceptable CO2 concentration ranges from 1000 to 1200 parts per million (ppm). However, in highly occupied spaces, it can easily surpass 1800 or even 3000 ppm[1]. Even though you may not notice the odorless gas, you might soon start experiencing negative health effects due to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

The ideal amount of fresh air required for optimal health is challenging to determine, as even ambient air has worsened over the years. Acceptable outdoor CO2 levels have increased from 450 ppm just 50 years ago to 650 ppm today[1]. To ensure you have fresh air and protect your respiratory system, it's essential to make informed decisions about the air you breathe.

Monitoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Monitoring IAQ is more manageable than regulating outdoor air. Building owners can frequently monitor carbon dioxide concentrations with properly installed sensors in meeting rooms, conference spaces, or other areas with large numbers of people[1]. By keeping track of CO2 levels, you can maintain adequate ventilation and keep the air within the acceptable range.

Importance of Measuring CO2

Monitoring CO2 levels is imperative to stay aware of its impacts on your health. High levels of CO2 can cause fatigue, headaches, and reduced concentration. Even moderate levels can affect cognitive function and performance. Being informed about CO2 monitoring options and benefits will help you make choices that safeguard your well-being.

Why Is CO2 Monitoring Necessary?

A higher concentration of CO2 can hinder cognitive abilities, productivity, and critical thinking. Recent studies have shown that when CO2 levels reach around 1400 ppm, a person’s decision-making skills can be reduced by 25%, while strategic thinking can be decreased by up to 50%[2]. Proper CO2 monitoring and ventilation can help facility managers organize the environment to keep carbon dioxide within acceptable norms, ensuring fresh air and enhancing cognitive function[2].

Safety Measures

Ensuring safety is the main reason to monitor CO2 levels. Excessive CO2 levels can lead to headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, and even unconsciousness. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial to monitor CO2 as higher concentrations can increase the risk of infection. When the room is not sufficiently ventilated, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 escalates. Installing an IoT-based ventilation system can help reduce the risk of infection[3].

Health Benefits of Monitoring CO2

Besides preventing illnesses, monitoring CO2 improves overall health, focusing particularly on respiratory issues and brain function[3]. Poorly ventilated areas can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and other related illnesses[5]. Monitoring CO2 levels can help minimize the risk of developing such conditions.

Stay Informed About CO2 Concentration

Being aware of CO2 concentration allows you to take steps to lower your exposure. Without continuous monitoring, you may inhale millions of CO2 particles without realizing it, negatively affecting your working and thinking abilities[1]. Connect with our website support team to explore the possibilities IoT can offer in monitoring CO2 and maintaining fresh air in various environments[6].

References:[1] Karnauskas, K. B., Miller, S. L., Schapiro, A. C. (2020). Fossil Fuel Combustion Is Driving Indoor CO2 Toward Levels Harmful to Human Cognition. GeoHealth, 4(5), e2019GH000237. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GH000237

[2] Vehviläinen, T., Lindholm, H., Rintamäki, H., Pääkkönen, R., Hirvonen, A., Niemi, O., & Vinha, J. (2016). High indoor CO2 concentrations in an office environment increases the transcutaneous CO2 level and sleepiness during cognitive work. Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, 13(1), 19-29. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2015.1076160

[3] Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (n.d.). Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.ccohs.ca/products/ publications/pdfs/co2_at_work.pdf

[4] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-iaq-schools

[5] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/

[6] BREEZE-D: Reliable CO2, Humidity, and Temperature Monitoring Solution. (n.d.). ionwise. Retrieved from https://breeze-d.com/

To combat climate change and ensure a healthy environment, it's crucial to invest in end-to-end solutions that include proper sensors for monitoring CO2 levels, especially indoors.
In the realm of education and self-development, understanding the impacts of CO2 on health and wellness, particularly in relation to medical-conditions such as respiratory-conditions, is essential for maintaining a safer and healthier learning environment.
Science has shown that excessive CO2 can have negative effects on cognitive function, making it important for environmental-science students to learn about CO2 and its measures in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
By incorporating CO2 monitoring technology, buildings can provide end-to-end solutions that ensure good air quality, which can be particularly beneficial in management of highly-occupied spaces like schools, offices, and hospitals.
To enhance health, learning, and productivity, it's essential to advocate for CO2 monitoring and raise awareness about its importance in maintaining good air quality, both indoors and outdoors, as part of overall global efforts towards health-and-wellness and environmental-consciousness.