Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas produced as a by-product of many natural processes. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless in nature. Because of this, it often goes unnoticed by the naked eyes and nose. It is almost always present around us, but there is no way we would be able to identify CO2 without using an appropriate device, in this case, a C02 monitor.
While some concentration of CO2 is natural and expected, the gas can be toxic in high concentrations.
There is increasing evidence that suggests that exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide can have adverse effects on human beings and produce several health complications. In potentially hazardous situations, a CO2 monitor comes in handy to check the level of carbon dioxide around us.
Before we delve further into the facts that concern CO2 and why it is essential to keep a CO2 monitor at our disposal, let us first understand what a CO2 monitor is and its working principles
What is a CO2 Monitor?
Carbon dioxide monitors detect the presence and concentration of CO2 in the air in parts per million (ppm). Because the gas is totally undetectable to human beings, a CO2 monitor measures the amount of accumulated CO2 in the air, and displays the ppm value of the compound. This helps us to further take up the requisite measures to monitor the quality of the air around us before it worsens.
In order to make full use of the monitor, it is crucial to become familiar with what each level of CO2 in the air signifies.
Here is a short guide for the same:
- 400 ppm — Normal outdoor air level.
- 400 ppm - 1000 ppm — Average indoor air level with decent ventilation.
- 1000 ppm - 2000 ppm — Poor air quality, may result in headaches, drowsiness, and more.
- 2000 ppm - 5000 ppm — High concentration of CO2, may result in increased heart rates, nausea, fatigue, etc.
- 5000 ppm — High level of CO2, may turn toxic and unbearable.
- 40000 ppm — Extreme oxygen deprivation, immediate safety measures should be taken before the condition turns fatal.
CO2 monitors are easy to use, non-invasive, and are reliable instruments to correctly calculate the concentration of CO2 in the air around us.
You must be wondering why is it necessary to calculate the CO2 levels in the air around us? Why should we be investing in a CO2 monitor, and what benefits it may fetch us in the long run? Keep reading to know more.
Impacts of CO2
There is scientific backing to the fact that the levels of CO2 are increasing a lot faster than we had initially anticipated.
In the long run, if the volume of carbon dioxide is not monitored and reduced, it can pose a major threat to human civilization, and all the natural components around us that we are heavily dependent on.
Some of the consequences of the gas can be severe, both for humans and nature. Here are a few of them:
Effects of CO2 On the Environment
Being a greenhouse gas, CO2 helps in keeping the atmosphere warm. However, when the concentration of the gas increases excessively, higher levels of thermal energy are trapped within the atmosphere, resulting in global warming.
It promotes the production of acid rain that is extremely harmful and detrimental to the plants and trees around us.
Carbon dioxide pollution increases the water levels of oceans and other water bodies. This results in the loss of shorelines.
Effects of CO2 On Human Beings
High levels of CO2 can become toxic to human beings. Those exposed to excessive CO2 may complain of drowsiness, fatigue, severe headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, and more. Higher levels may also result in death.
A person’s ability to perform cognitive activities is severely compromised when exposed to harmful levels of CO2. Higher CO2 levels result in lack of concentration and affect the mind of the person.
When you sleep in a closed room, the CO2 levels intensify. This leads to discomfort, the quality of sleep is affected, and you wake up feeling tired and lethargic.
Monitoring CO2 at the Time of Covid
Nearly two years into the pandemic, one fact has been globally recognised and advised by health experts and agencies alike. Proper ventilation in closed, indoor spaces is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets in the air that result from breathing, coughing, sneezing, and other voluntary and involuntary respiratory acts. During exhalation, CO2 is also released into the air.
If the rate of CO2 is high, the chances of catching COVID-19 also increases.
CO2 monitors come into play to indicate whether the enclosed space is sufficiently ventilated or not. The amount of fresh air entering and circulating in the premises can allow us to counter any potential infections that may occur. High levels of CO2 alert people to take preventive measures and bring the CO2 levels below to a safer range.
It is advised to keep the CO2 levels below 600 ppm to avert the corona outbreak. This small measure can even trigger a drop in the transmission of the virus. A good, effective, and accurate CO2 monitor having a range of 0-10,000 ppm should be purchased for the same.
Final Thoughts
The key takeaway from this article is that to reduce the probability of any health complications, sufficient air exchange is vital. This is especially true of enclosed and indoor spaces. Besides coronavirus, poor ventilation can increase the chances of contamination of any virus or disease.
It is crucial to be in control of your environment, check that enough fresh air is circulating around you, and always keep a CO2 monitor within your reach. That way, you will always know when it is time to leave the room!
References:
- https://smartbuildingsmagazine.com/features/carbon-dioxide-monitoring-to-lower-the-coronavirus-threat
- https://www.co2meter.com/blogs/news/monitor-indoor-air-quality-at-home
- https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/carbondioxide.htm
- https://www.hamilton-medical.com/en_IN/Products/Accessories-and-Consumables/Sensors-and-monitoring/CO2-monitoring.html
- https://theconversation.com/how-to-use-ventilation-and-air-filtration-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-143732
- https://sciencing.com/list-5921485-effects-carbon-dioxide-air-pollution.html