Carbon Dioxide Monitoring

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide and is now a very common packing material for COVID-19 vaccines.  As dry ice melts, it turns into gaseous carbon dioxide.  Unlike natural gas, CO2 has no odor.  High levels of CO2 can cause health issues, and in some cases, even death.

TEquipment carries a number of devices for measurement of carbon dioxide levels to ensure your work environment is safe.  Meters can be handheld or wall mounted, with some also having the ability to record information and even trigger ventilation systems to engage.

Meters will display CO2 levels in parts per million (PPM), so you know the exact concentration in your workspace at all times. 

CO2 Levels and Guidance (1)

Non-Enforced Reference levels:

• 250 - 350 ppm – background (normal) outdoor air level
• 350- 1,000 ppm - typical level found in occupied spaces with good air exchange.
• 1,000 – 2,000 ppm - level associated with complaints of drowsiness and poor air.
• 2,000 – 5,000 ppm – level associated with headaches, sleepiness, and stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea may also be present.
• >5,000 ppm – Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation resulting in permanent brain damage, coma and even death.

Regulatory exposure limits:

• ASHRAE Standard 62-1989: 1000ppm: CO2 concentration in occupied building should not exceed 1000ppm.
• OSHA: 5000ppm: Time weighted average over five 8-hour work days should not exceed 5000ppm.
• Building bulletin 101 (Bb101): 1500ppm. UK standards for schools say that CO2 at averaged over the whole day (i.e. 9am to 3.30 pm) should not exceed 1500ppm.
• Germany, Japan, Australia, UK: 5000ppm, 8 hours weighted average occupational exposure limit is 5000ppm.

(1) - Extech CA210 User Guide, page 10