CO₂ can increase the risk of COVID transmission
Indoor air quality has emerged as a critical concern, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. While many perceive indoor spaces as havens from external pollution, recent studies highlight that indoor air can pose a significant risk to human health.
Studies Link CO₂ to COVID
Traditionally, good indoor air quality management uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) as an indicator of effective ventilation, with the intention of minimizing indoor contaminant buildup and virus transmission risk. Indoor CO₂ is primarily emitted through human respiration, so its accumulation can serve as a proxy for assessing adequate ventilation correlated with occupancy. However, recent advancements in bioaerosol research have unveiled a deeper role for CO₂ in optimizing human health indoors.
A study published in Nature Communications reports that elevated CO₂ levels not only signal poor ventilation but also significantly enhance the aerostability of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Specifically, moderate increases in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, even to levels as modest as 800 parts per million (ppm), markedly increase the persistence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2, surpassing the effects of changes in relative humidity.
Studies conducted at the University of Bristol's Aerosol Research Center corroborate these findings, emphasizing that heightened CO₂ levels not only serve as indicators of inadequate ventilation but also create environments conducive to prolonged virus survival in indoor settings. This newfound understanding challenges conventional wisdom, highlighting CO₂'s dual function as both an indicator and an enhancer of infectious aerosols. As a result, it is imperative to revise existing strategies for indoor air quality management to effectively mitigate the risks associated with airborne pathogens.
Managing Indoor Air Quality
Managing CO₂ levels is critical for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Generally, indoor CO₂ levels below 1000 parts per million (ppm) are considered acceptable for maintaining good air quality and effective ventilation. However, for optimal health and comfort, especially in environments where occupants spend extended periods, such as offices and schools, maintaining CO₂ levels below 800 ppm or even lower, closer to outdoor levels (which are typically around 400 ppm), is recommended. Lower CO₂ levels correlate with improved cognitive function, increased productivity, and overall well-being in indoor environments.
Navigating Challenges
Managing indoor CO₂ levels presents several challenges, primarily stemming from outdated ventilation systems and inherent limitations in building design. Traditionally, combating CO₂ buildup and poor indoor air quality relies on mass ventilation, a method especially emphasized in the early days of the pandemic. Many buildings continue to rely heavily on bringing in outside air to dilute indoor pollutants, including CO₂. However, this approach is contingent on two critical factors: the cleanliness of the outside air, and the affordability of constantly ventilating large volumes of it. While effective, increased ventilation can strain energy resources and significantly escalate operational costs and building emissions.
Protect Your Health
Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that not only manage CO₂ levels effectively but also enhance overall indoor air quality.
Monitor Indoor Air with Sensors: Implement advanced sensor technologies that allow for real-time monitoring of indoor CO₂ levels and other contaminants to promptly identify areas with poor air quality.
Air Purification Methods: Deploy air purification systems that enhance indoor air quality by removing airborne pollutants, including CO₂, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure the air you monitor is being cleaned.
Integrated Technology: Adopt new technologies that address indoor air quality from multiple angles, like combining CO₂ capture technologies with air purification methods and building automation to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
Understanding CO₂ as a significant indoor contaminant is pivotal for safeguarding health and taking effective action. By acknowledging its impact on air quality, individuals and organizations can implement tailored strategies to minimize risks. This awareness facilitates the adoption of improved ventilation techniques, advanced air purification technologies, and sustainable indoor air management practices, thereby fostering healthier environments and enhancing overall well-being.
