16/07/2021

Why is it also Important to Measure CO2 Indoors?

Carbon dioxide is normally associated with air pollution in large cities, it is an "invisible" gas to our primary senses, present in the atmosphere at a rate of about 400 parts per million. This proportion is mainly increased by emissions from industry and transport.

Indoors, on the other hand, the concentration of CO2 is generated by our own organisms. It is also produced by the combustion of carbon-containing matter, and an improperly maintained combustion heating system can negatively contribute to increased levels.

CO₂ is not a pollutant per se, it is a gas that we exhale. But it can be toxic by displacing oxygen. The quality of the air we breathe should be at a ratio of 21% oxygen vs. 0.04% CO₂. The air we exhale is maintained at a ratio of 16% oxygen vs. 4% CO₂.

In public indoor spaces such as schools, offices, or private spaces such as our own homes, with concentrations above 800 ppm of CO₂ (0.08%), symptoms of fatigue, headaches, increased respiratory rate and reduced performance appear. Various studies place the comfort limit at 1500 ppm, above this value for a prolonged period of time the effects increase considerably, and the loss of performance is direct.

In order to maintain quality air, it is essential to control and renew it in enclosed spaces.

Ventilation also helps us to dilute other pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or to eliminate the excess humidity we produce indoors.

 

How do we know when to ventilate?

We have always ventilated a little by eye. Following the wisdom of our mothers and grandmothers, but today this is inefficient and not adapted to today's needs.

The CO₂ concentration is the best indicator that the minimum air renewal necessary for a healthy indoor environment is guaranteed. Measuring and monitoring the CO₂ evolution helps us to interpret, live, when it is necessary to start ventilating and to do so efficiently.

In any case, in public spaces, leaving it to our sense of smell to decide when to ventilate or not is reckless, to say the least.

The pandemic situation has made us aware of the need to ventilate indoors. And public facilities such as schools, universities, office buildings, shops, cinemas, theatres, etc. .... have an important mission to ensure efficient renovation without running up electricity bills when autumn starts.

It is not an easy task, but TycheTools has designed the perfect tool that will help you to solve it successfully, a technologically advanced, simple, and effective tool.

Joaquin Rodriguez

CEO

Share with

Loading...