While people often pay attention to indoor air pollutants like dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), or the gas humans and animals exhale is often overlooked. Ironically, this gas is a significant factor in maintaining good IAQ standards. Remember, indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and comfy living space, so you can’t take these details for granted. Let’s explore the role of CO2 in indoor air and delve into the critical threshold level at which it becomes a concern.
How CO2 Impacts Indoor Air
Carbon dioxide is a natural part of the atmosphere. This compound is mainly produced by human respiration during the breathing process and used up by plants, giving people oxygen. Apart from breathing, the following indoor activities contribute to elevated CO2 levels:
- Cooking
- Burning fossil fuels
- Using certain household products
- Cranking up a traditional fireplace
CO2 concentrations inside your home tend to rise gradually in spaces with poor ventilation and with many occupants. When these levels exceed the recommended threshold, they can lead to discomfort and result in health issues. Contrary to some misconceptions, CO2 is not inherently toxic as long as the air quality level meets indoor air quality guidelines.
What Percent of CO2 is Too Much
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is measured in ppm or parts per million. To illustrate, the overall outdoor atmospheric CO2 concentration is around 400 ppm. The recommended indoor level is considerably lower. The ASHRAE, aka American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), sets a guideline of 1,000 ppm as the upper limit for acceptable CO2 levels at home.
When indoor air quality sensors detect CO2 levels surpassing the set threshold, it can lead to a phenomenon known as “CO2 accumulation.” When this occurs, it doesn’t just cause indoor air pollution, but it can lead to:
- A decrease in cognitive performance
- Reduced alertness
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea
Excessive CO2 concentrations can lead to unconsciousness or asphyxiation (lack of oxygen). However, these are worst-case scenarios because finding extremely high levels is rare in well-ventilated spaces.
Combat Potential Problems By Staying Vigilant
Create a healthy environment for you and your family by regularly monitoring CO2 levels and other indoor air quality parameters. An indoor air quality monitor proves invaluable, tracking multiple aspects, including CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, VOCs, air pressure, and more.
A reliable IAQ monitor utilizes an advanced IAQ sensor to provide real-time insights. You can easily access and analyze the data, gaining a comprehensive understanding of your indoor environment’s health. Get notified whenever CO2 levels or other parameters approach or exceed the recommended threshold. This empowers users to take immediate action and develop IAQ solutions, whether indoor air cleaning with IAQ products like a purifier or doing something as simple as opening windows and entryways.
Final Thoughts
With proper IAQ strategies and tools, you can ensure that your indoor air quality is consistently within a safe and healthy range. And this matters because IAQ directly impacts your well-being, comfort, and productivity. While CO2 is a natural part of the environment, you must steer clear of elevated levels as it can adversely impact your health and cognitive abilities. Maintaining good indoor CO2 levels is essential for healthy living spaces and overall wellness. The uHoo Smart Air Monitor serves as a reliable companion in your quest for better indoor air quality.
