CO2: what is it, what are the health risks and why measure it?

What is CO2?

Where does Carbon Dioxide come from?

Carbon dioxide (CO2), also known as ‘carbon dioxide’ or ‘carbon dioxide’, is a gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle.

It is generated by biological processes, such as the respiration of living organisms and the decomposition of organic matter, as well as by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.

The difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

It is essential not to confuse carbon monoxide (CO) with carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO is a toxic, odourless and colourless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can be fatal if exposed to prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated spaces. CO2, on the other hand, is a natural component of the atmosphere.

Relationship between CO2 and our health

The emission of CO2 into the atmosphere is a major issue for the equilibrium of our planet, but excessive exposure indoors can also present risks to human health. High concentrations of CO2 can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, reduced concentration and cognitive ability, and an increase in the frequency of respiratory infections.

There is currently no technological solution for eliminating CO2 from a room, with the exception of certain industrial applications. Ventilation (air renewal) remains the only effective method of reducing CO2 levels to an acceptable level. However, it is crucial to know when CO2 levels become too high. As an invisible, odourless molecule, CO2 can only be detected and measured using specific sensors.

The visual above illustrates carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration levels in the air, measured in parts per million (ppm), and their impact on indoor air quality. It also shows the CO2 threshold at which it becomes essential to ventilate the room.

At concentrations of 400 ppm, outdoor air is considered excellent. At CO2 concentrations of 600 ppm, air quality is still good.

However, between 600 and 1,000 ppm, air quality becomes average, indicating that it’s time to air your enclosed spaces to maintain a healthy environment.

The maximum level of CO2 in a room is 1,000 ppm, when air quality is described as poor, and above 2,000 ppm it is critical, posing a health risk.

These recommendations, issued by the French High Council for Public Health (Haut Conseil de la santé publique), stress the importance of good ventilation and adequate airing to prevent the harmful effects of CO2 on health.

Using CO2 sensors makes it possible to detect these levels and act accordingly to ensure good indoor air quality.

Air Coach: NatéoSanté’s innovative solution for monitoring indoor air quality

NatéoSanté has developed Air Coach, an indoor air quality monitor that measures carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the air in real time. Equipped with NDIR infrared sensors, recognised as the most reliable on the market, Air Coach is an indispensable companion for taking appropriate action if safety thresholds are exceeded.

This CO2 meter is invaluable in a variety of environments: at home, in the office, at school, in crèches and in public buildings. It is particularly useful in schools and crèches, where a decree requires real-time measurement of CO2 concentration and the installation of containment indicators to optimise ventilation practices in France.

With Air Coach, you can guarantee a healthy and safe environment, meeting regulatory requirements and protecting the health of occupants.

What role does CO2 play in outdoor air pollution?

Although naturally present, CO2 accumulates excessively in the atmosphere as a result of human activities, exacerbating global warming and ocean acidification.

In its latest report, the IPCC stresses that human activities have caused unprecedented global warming, leading to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface of 1.1°C compared with the pre-industrial era.

Whatever the emission scenario, the IPCC predicts that global warming will reach 1.5°C by the early 2030s.

To limit this warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, it is imperative to accelerate and intensify emission reductions immediately by :

• Reducing global net CO2 emissions to zero
• Drastically reducing other greenhouse gases.

Solutions are being considered to slow the impact of these emissions:

• Reducing fossil fuel consumption and use
• Production and use of low-carbon energies
• Energy renovation and passive energy construction
• Use of green and soft mobility
• Reducing waste and pollution
• Promoting agroecology, tree planting and water reuse.

At the same time, techniques are being developed to reduce or eliminate CO2 at its source. Two methods exist today:

• Carbon capture and storage (CSS)

The principle of capturing the carbon emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels at the plant gate. In Europe, the CASTOR project launched in 2004 already aimed to develop CO2 capture technologies.

Currently, around thirty facilities are operational worldwide, mainly in the United States, capturing 40 million tonnes of CO2 a year. According to the Net Zero Emission by 2050 scenario of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the aim is to capture 7.6 gigatonnes of CO2 a year by 2050, thanks to advances in capture technology.

• Direct air capture (DAC)

The principle of extracting CO2 from the air using ventilation systems and chemical processes. However, this technique is more complex due to its high energy consumption and cost.

All of this research represents a substantial financial investment, as well as requiring a high level of energy consumption. At the same time, questions about the storage and reuse of this carbon dioxide remain unanswered.