Mains-Powered Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Air Quality Monitor with "Traffic Light" & Voice Alerts - Kidde KCO2M10

CO2 & You

What is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon Dioxide is a gas that occurs naturally in the environment at low concentrations, and is often referred to by its chemical symbol "CO2". It is also produced industrially at high or even pure concentrations for a wide range of uses - manufacturing, production of other chemicals, fire extinguishers and, its most commonly known use, making fizzy drinks. Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out CO2. Plants do the opposite, absorbing carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen.

It becomes a poisonous gas when there is too much of it in the air you breathe. Exposure to higher concentrations of CO2 can cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Too much carbon dioxide can be fatal even when there is plenty of oxygen. In most everyday circumstances such as the home, office or at school, dangerous levels are not likely to be encountered but they can still reach a point where effects become noticeable if ventilation is poor. This is an even greater risk the more people there are in the room. In this way, the amount of CO2 in the air is a very good indicator of whether or not you have enough 'fresh' air.

Improving air quality in the classroom, the office or the home is mostly a matter of knowing when to open your windows. Better ventilation is now known to reduce the chances of picking up or passing on airborne infections like coronavirus. If the level of CO2 in the room increases, it is certain that any airborne viruses will be at higher levels too. With a CO2 monitor in your room it is possible to learn, and more importantly act, when it is time for a little more fresh air.