Best CO2 Monitoring Solution

The importance of carbon dioxide monitoring could not be over-emphasized, especially in the classrooms. If you fail to identify poor ventilation in the indoor areas, it can affect the way people breathe, think, and feel. So what is the best CO2 monitoring solution?

The importance of indoor and outdoor air condition tracking could not be over-emphasized, especially now when reliable measurements show unpleasant figures. Current air is much worse than only 50 years ago due to the increasing number of common air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, high concentrations of CO2, volatile organic compounds, dust, and other greenhouse gases. There are several reasons to install a CO2 tracking solution. The environmental protection agency tries to suspend air pollution but without reliable air monitors, this is too difficult. The industrial CO2 monitoring system, in turn, can provide environmental protection agency or any other responsible institution with accurate readings on air condition. This type of solution is able to tell you whether your indoor air is clean and exchanged efficiently.

High CO2 concentrations could identify poor ventilation or not enough fresh air entering your home. CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas that is constantly circulating in the air in your home, and it can be a sign of a range of problems in the home’s air condition. So, the particular matter here is to choose a reliable indoor air condition monitor, which can be integrated with mechanical ventilation systems, and cooling systems, to create a healthy environment.

What Do you Need to Know About Carbon Dioxide?

Most people associate carbon dioxide with carbon monoxide, and as a result, with negative things. However, this colorless, odorless gas is not harmful if it does not exceed the norm. Carbon monoxide is a noncombustible, colorless gas that is produced when fuel is not burned completely but carbon dioxide is used in beverages, plant growth, and chemical manufacturing. However, if you are not careful, both of them can create indoor air element issues. That is why you need to have carbon dioxide monitoring devices to monitor air condition in the indoor space.

CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by both natural and human activities. It is naturally found in the air but also emitted when people exhale. CO2 in the air is the most potent greenhouse gas. Although CO2 is not the main component of the Earth’s atmosphere, it contributes to global warming because it prevents radiant energy from returning to space.

Possible CO2 Applications

One more interesting fact is that CO2 is 1.5 times heavier than air, so it is an excellent fire extinguisher. It can also be collected from soda pop bubbles. It is very useful in the chemical industry and is used in a wide range of applications. This includes food packaging, fertilizer, and pesticide. Whether it is liquid or solid, CO2 is used for numerous applications.

The amount of purity that CO2 has depends on its final use. A large proportion of CO2 is used in the food and beverage industry. As such, its odor and taste are considered one of the most important criteria for quality. The contaminants that contribute to odor and taste should be removed to levels less than mg/kg. The main impurities in the final purified product are nitrogen dioxide and oxygen, which are both obtained from air or process gas sources.

Which Concentrations of CO2 are Considered to be Dangerous?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people may have different opinions on what constitutes a “dangerous” level of CO2. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that indoor air condition monitors be used to help assess the CO2 concentrations in a home or office. If the levels of CO2 exceed 1,000 parts per million (ppm), it is recommended that an air purifier be used to help improve the air condition. While there is no definitive answer from the global environmental protection agency on what concentration of CO2 is considered to be dangerous, following these guidelines can help ensure that indoor air capacity is maintained at a safe level, so people inside will not have any respiratory problems or any other health problems.

Air conditioning engineers, in turn, have developed models that show the impact of temperature and relative humidity on the human body’s ability to remove heat. These models suggest that, at a minimum, the air in our homes and offices should be kept at around 20-22°C with a relative humidity of around 40-60%. While these guidelines are not specifically related to CO2 concentrations, they can help ensure that indoor air capacity is maintained at a safe and comfortable level, and air does not contain indoor pollutants or excessive levels of particulate matter.

Which Indoor Spaces Have the Highest CO2 Concentrations?

The air in our homes and offices can often be more polluted than the air outside. This is because indoor spaces are typically enclosed and not well-ventilated. This can cause pollutants such as particulate matter to build up, leading to higher concentrations of CO2. At the same time, a home’s air condition is quite easy to monitor since it is enough to deploy one CO2 meter to keep track of the quality of the home’s air. Besides, if it is a house outside of the city, you can decide on building materials to simplify sustaining a normal level of humidity, temperature, and CO2. Among the areas with the highest concentrations of CO2 and with the poorest indoor air condition, we can outline classrooms, offices, and public spaces.

Classrooms

Air condition is quite often really poor in the classrooms where children spend a large portion of their young lives. Today, more schools are looking for reliable CO2 monitors to ensure that a healthy learning environment can be maintained. The carbon dioxide monitoring sensor deployed in the classroom will measure relative humidity levels, CO2 concentrations, temperature, volatile organic compounds, and other important factors, which influence safe levels of air particles presence. Carbon dioxide monitors are critical for schools and other educational institutions since if people are in conditions of air pollution from a young age, the risk of having different diseases such as lung cancer, or respiratory problems increases. CO2 monitor, in turn, can be connected to air purifiers and HVAC system to trigger them in an established time period to start mechanical ventilation and decrease the levels of CO2.

«In 2015, the World Health Organization produced a document entitled “School environment: policies and current status” to draw the attention of school administration to indoor air quality» [3].

«The World Health Organization, during the school years of 2011–2013, performed CO2 concentration measurements in schools. Reliable measurements were made within five days without repetition. According to the results, the highest concentrations of carbon dioxide were observed in schools with insufficient air exchange during the winter. In the year 2015/2016, the WHO study “Indoor Air Quality in Schools” was conducted in Latvian schools. Fourteen schools participated in the study. A total of 42 classes were measured. Based on the results, 28 classes (67%) were found to violate the limit for carbon dioxide concentration. A total of 26 of all 42 classes had natural ventilation. The WHO study found that the amount of clear air supplied over a given period depends on the volume of the room, the number of people and the nature of the work to be done»[2,3].

«The data of CO2 concentration fluctuations over one week as well as the increase in a concentration above the relevant air quality categories were noted. The example of results for Monday are shown in Figures 1» [4].

«The data of CO2 concentration fluctuations over one week as well as the increase in a concentration above the relevant air quality categories were noted. The example of results for Monday are shown in Figures 1» [3].

Figure 1. The changes in CO2 concentration and temperature in the classroom on Monday divided by the class nr.

«Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a common indicator of indoor air quality. CO2 is emitted primarily by building occupants but can also originate from indoor combustion sources. The levels of CO2 in indoor premises can range from the ambient concentration of approximately 400 to over 10,000 ppm. Ventilation rates are a strong predictor of the CO2 levels and the overall indoor environmental quality as it affects dilution of indoor-generated chemical and biological pollutants and removal of occupant-generated moisture (WHO 2009)» [5].

Sufficient ventilation is an important prerequisite for the academic performance of school children, but also, other indoor environmental quality parameters such as temperature and humidity should be considered. That is why it is critically important to choose a CO2 sensor, which can monitor all these parameters at once.

Offices

A recent study found that CO2 concentrations were associated with a significantly increased transmission risk of COVID-19 over multiple days. A new study published in the Indoor and Built Environment journal shows that increased CO2 concentrations can double the risk of COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments [1]. Researchers based their research on the fact that CO2 is emitted by infected people at the same time as airborne viruses, which can serve as a proxy for virus numbers in the air [1]. The CO2 indoor air monitor, in turn, can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection by identifying excess CO2 concentrations indoors.

One way to monitor CO2 levels in offices is with an air condition sensor. These sensors can be placed in strategic locations throughout the office to provide test results on air condition and export data to the associated app. These accurate readings can then be used to make decisions about ventilation, occupancy levels, and other factors that impact the air people breathe.

CO2 levels vary throughout the day, and multiple days of data logging are needed to get a clear picture of indoor pollutants, the percentage of particulate matter, and general air condition. By observing air conditions over time, office managers can make informed decisions about how to reduce CO2 and keep their employees safe.

Public Spaces

Different public spaces such as cafes, governmental institutions, or hotels have a lot of people during the day, so a sufficient number of CO2 sensors and air purifiers is a necessity. Indoor air monitors deployed in public places are needed to create a trend chart on humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels, so it will be possible to find the best solution for the problem. Most monitors have a rechargeable battery and audible alarm, so it won’t be a problem for your budget and you won’t have to buy an additional data logger.

As we know, the recommended limits of CO2 – are below 1000 ppm, which creates an optimal indoor climate for learning. The absolute CO2 level reached depends on the room’s ventilation, clear air intake, number of people, and volume. Today more and more kindergartens and schools get a requirement on a country, or state level to have a CO2 monitor to track proper ventilation. This also ensures minimum risk in virus distribution, inhalation, and contraction.

How to Monitor CO2?

As CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas, people are not able to detect it on their own. The only way to know for sure how much CO2 is in the room is by getting an indoor air capacity monitor. If you’re interested in observing your home’s air conditions, you might be wondering how to monitor CO2 levels. Luckily, there are a few different ways to do this.

One option is to purchase indoor air monitors, like an NDIR sensor with an LCD screen or some other air quality monitor. These CO2 sensors typically also measure humidity levels, so you can get a good idea of the overall air capacity in your home.

Another way to monitor CO2 is to simply keep an eye on the temperature. In general, higher temperatures mean higher levels of CO2 in the air. Such air quality monitors cannot be called the best CO2 sensors but it is an option. So, if you notice that your home is feeling especially warm, it might be time to open a window or take other steps to improve ventilation and air condition.

Of course, the best way to monitor CO2 is to use a reliable air condition monitor, which can prevent it from getting too high in the first place. This can be done by ensuring that your home is well-ventilated and by using air purifiers to remove pollutants from the air. By taking these steps, you can help keep your family safe and healthy.

Benefits Air Quality Monitors Can Bring

The concentration of CO2 in space can vary significantly depending on the number of people present and the activity levels in a building. Too much CO2 can cause fatigue, reduced concentration, and even ‘Sick Building Syndrome.’ As such, proper ventilation is critical to keeping the occupants comfortable and productive while saving energy. Moreover, a CO2 air condition monitor is a valuable contribution to sustainable building objectives and sustainability goals.

It Can Reduce Energy Costs

By combining resonant mass sensors and IoT technology, CO2 monitoring systems can improve efficiency and energy costs. Choosing the right air quality monitor for your building is crucial. Sensors should be located near occupants and/or in the ventilation system. In large buildings, sensors should be located in exhaust air ducts. In smaller buildings, wall-mounted units should be sufficient. Ultimately, an air capacity monitor will help you save energy costs and create better conditions for occupants. With the help of CO2 sensors, buildings can save up to 30% on energy costs. Carbon dioxide monitoring is vital for many applications, including energy efficiency and minimizing costs.

It Can Reduce COVID-19 Risk

Using CO2 Monitors can provide valuable information on air condition. While an airborne transmission is a likely route for COVID-19, effective ventilation and maximizing the flow of natural clear air can help reduce the infection risk. As the concentration of CO2 rises in poorly ventilated buildings, they become more likely to harbor the COVID virus. However, this information is only part of the puzzle. In order to reduce the risk, building occupants should focus on improving airflow in hazardous areas, and monitors can significantly help with this.

What Does TEKTELIC Have for Carbon Dioxide Monitoring?

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the dangers of climate change, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One way to do this is to monitor your indoor air freshness and make sure that your home or office is not contributing to pollution. TEKTELIC offers different air quality monitors such as VIVID and COMFORT. Generally, VIVID as well as COMFORT is an indoor air quality monitor, which can track temperature, humidity, light, motion, and leaks. However, none of these devices have a CO2 monitor, which is critically important to access overall air freshness.

TEKTELIC BREEZE-D

The TEKTELIC BREEZE-D, in turn, is on the list of air quality monitors, which have an incorporated CO2 meter. It is a carbon dioxide monitoring solution, which provides you with reliable readings, so you can identify poor ventilation right away and address any problems. This air condition monitor helps continuously monitor CO2 in indoor areas to ensure they can be adequately ventilated to maintain optimal and healthy learning, working, and living environments, and help identify where ventilation needs to be improved to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other diseases. This air quality monitor device runs with the help of 2 AA batteries (2x AA LID or 2x AA Alkaline), which work without any issues for up to 10 years. With BREEZE-D, you can be sure about ventilation rates in the indoor area, the presence of water vapor, exceed of the CO2 safe levels, and the possible need for larger spaces.

Key Technical Features:

• Designed for Optimal Battery Life
• Wall, Ceiling, or Table Mount Configurations
• Simple Deployment
• Can be easily calibrated through the application or manually Ambient Indoor
• Environment Monitoring
• User-Configurable Parameters and Thresholds
• Sleek and Unobstructed Design

How does BREEZE-D Benefit Students and Citizens? 

• Recommended learning limits of 1000 ppm of CO2 Create an optimal indoor climate for learning
• Higher CO2 levels have been known to affect cognitive ability and memory retention
• Excess CO2 levels have been linked to headaches, dizziness, and overall decreased performance

Things to Remember

For a long time, it was believed that CO2 levels had a small impact on people, but today there is a big amount of research suggesting that CO2 found in kindergartens and school classrooms may harm the body, including cognitive abilities, so ventilation rates should be addressed. Depending on the CO2 concentration, children could meet a range of symptoms from a slight headache and lack of focus to even slowed cognitive functioning. That is why implementing a CO2 monitor is essential to accurately monitor the learning environment, ensuring that students can have the best possible educational experience.

TEKTELIC, in turn, is ready to help you with this, offering the best CO2 monitors. To start working with us, write to our sales team via info@tektelic.com

References 

1. Burridge, H. C., Fan, S., Jones, R. L., Noakes, C. J., & Linden, P. F. (2021). Predictive and retrospective modelling of airborne infection risk using monitored carbon dioxide. Indoor and Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1177/1420326X211043564

2. School Environment: Policies and Current Status; WHO Regional Office for Europe: Copenhagen, Denmark, 2015.

3. The Results of Health Inspection’s Research “Indoor Air Quality at Schools” at Latvian Schools during 2015/2016.

4. The Effect of CO2 Concentration on Children’s Well-Being during the Process of Learning. Riga, Latvia, 2020.

5. WHO (2009) Guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/43325/E92645.pdf (accessed on 22 January 2017)