Breathe Easy, Live Better: Why CO₂ Awareness is Essential for Your Health
We often take indoor air for granted, but its quality plays a critical role in our overall health and wellbeing. One of the most underestimated factors affecting indoor environments is carbon dioxide (CO₂). While CO₂ is naturally present in the air, poor ventilation can cause it to accumulate to unhealthy levels in homes, offices, classrooms, and other enclosed spaces. Elevated CO₂ levels have been directly linked to headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, drowsiness, and even reduced cognitive function. Over time, consistent exposure can lead to chronic discomfort, poor sleep, and a decline in mental performance—especially concerning for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The danger lies in CO₂'s invisibility—it has no color or smell, so its presence often goes unnoticed until symptoms arise. This makes regular monitoring essential. Understanding and controlling indoor CO₂ levels is not just about comfort; it's about safeguarding your health. With real-time insights and proactive ventilation strategies, you can ensure your indoor environment supports focus, energy, and long-term wellness. Staying ahead of this invisible threat empowers you to create spaces that promote clarity, safety, and peace of mind.
Measurement Methods
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that affects the climate and the quality of life on Earth. Measuring the CO2 level in the air is important for various applications, such as environmental monitoring, industrial process control, indoor air quality, and health and safety. There are different methods to measure the CO2 level in the air, depending on the purpose and the range of concentration. Some of the common methods are:
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Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS)
This method uses a laser beam that is reflected inside a cavity with mirrors. The laser light is absorbed by the CO2 molecules in the cavity, and the time it takes for the light to decay is measured. This method is very precise and accurate, and can measure CO2 levels from ambient to high concentrations ..png)
Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) e.g. TechnolineWL1030
This method uses an infrared light source that passes through a sample of air. The CO2 molecules in the air absorb some of the infrared light, and the remaining light is detected by a sensor. The amount of light absorbed is proportional to the CO2concentration in the air. This method is simple and inexpensive, but less accurate than CRDS. It is widely used for indoor air quality monitoring and industrial applications ..png)
Gas Chromatography (GC)
This method separates the different components of a gas mixture using a column and a carrier gas. The separated components are then detected by a detector, such as a flame ionization detector (FID) or a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). The CO2 concentration is calculated based on the peak area and the calibration curve. This method is accurate and sensitive, but requires more complex equipment and calibration. It is used for laboratory analysis and research purposes . e.g. Infineon PAS CO2.png)
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) e.g. Infineon PAS CO2
This method uses a modulated laser beam to excite the CO2 molecules and measure the resulting sound waves. This method is very small, accurate, and low-power, and can be used for smart home and building applications45 Infineon's XENSIV™ PAS CO2 sensor is the first real CO2 sensor in an SMD package, and it can measure CO2 concentrations from 0 to 10,000 ppm5 It also meets the criteria of the WELL Building Standard, which is a global rating system for healthy buildings . e.g. Carenuity SQ-Panel.png)
Metal Oxide (MOX) e.g. Carenuity SQ-Panel
This method uses a metal oxide layer that changes its electrical resistance when it interacts with gas molecules. This method is based on the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are correlated with CO2 levels. This method is compact, digital, and multi-gas, and can provide outputs such as equivalent CO2(eCO2), total VOCs (TVOC), and air quality index (AQI)78 ScioSense's ENS160 is a digital metal oxide multi-gas sensor that uses four sensor elements and an independent hotplate control to detect a wide range of VOCs and oxidizing gases with superior sensitivity It is ideal for home appliances, IoT devices, building automation, and HVAC applications .Conclusion
These are the main methods to measure the CO2 level in the air. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the best method depends on the application and the requirements.Carenuity specializes in sensor devices, offering a portfolio of 24 sensor products that come with enclosures and can be customized on various levels to meet your specific needs.
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