Measurements

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is composed of a carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. It’s a naturally occurring gas that is fundamental for life on Earth.

How is CO2 produced?

CO2 is constantly exchanged through the atmosphere, ocean, and land, as many plants and animals produce and absorb it. In nature, this is a balanced system. Yet there has been a marked increase in man-made atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution. This is primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, commonly used for electricity generation, transportation, and other industrial processes.

People are the most common source of carbon dioxide in indoor environments, as breathing emits CO2. The higher the number of occupants in a building, the higher the concentration of CO2.

What are the health risks and environmental effects of CO2?

On the human side, overexposure to CO2 can cause drowsiness, headaches, and a stark drop in productivity. This is especially relevant in the workplace. In nature, an increase in atmospheric CO2 has caused global warming, ocean acidification, and the damaging of other vital environmental processes.

Why use an Aeroqual CO2 sensor?

Aeroqual offers both portable and fixed monitors equipped with a CO2 sensor, suitable for measuring carbon dioxide in both outdoor and indoor environments. It is equally important to measure CO2 indoors, given that most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems re-circulate indoor air, increasing the risk of concentrations rising above healthy levels.

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