Good ventilation helps to prevent corona infections. Measuring the air quality, and checking whether a ventilation is necessary can be done easily with a CO2 air quality meter.
In the fight against COVID-19, fresh air is an important weapon. In fresh air, or high quality air, moisture droplets that may contain virus particles are less likely to accumulate and spread. This reduces the chance of an infection. In addition, bad air quality leads to physical complaints such as headaches, decreased concentration, and fatigue. That’s why good air quality is important, but how do you measure this? That’s what we will explain to you!
How to measure air quality?
An important indicator of air quality is the level of carbon dioxide: the air we exhale. The lower the CO2 concentration in the air, the higher the quality of the air. The CO2 level can be measured with the use of an air quality measuring device. When buying one, please note that not every air quality measuring device actually measures CO2 values, some devices only give an indication. An air quality measuring device monitors the quality of the air by measuring the number of particles of CO2, this is indicated in PPM. When the CO2 level is too high, the device will send you a message to let you know that the room needs to be aired.
The CO2 air quality meter works like a traffic light: when the air quality is good, a green light will show up. When ventilation is recommended, a yellow light is visible, and when the air quality is bad the light turns red. This visual element makes the device very easy to use. In most devices the light is accompanied by numbers that show the PPM value and temperature.
We will give an indication of the CO2 reference levels and the corresponding notification:
- Green: 400-1000 PPM. This is the typical level of air quality for outdoor or indoor areas with good air circulation.
- Yellow: 1001-1500 PPM. The air quality is not optimal. Ventilation in the room is recommended in this case.
- Red: 1500+ PPM. The air quality is bad and can cause symptoms such as sleepiness and headaches. Ventilation is strongly recommended.
A CO2 air quality meter in the fight against the coronavirus
In order to ensure good air quality and safety, it is important to keep the CO2 level as low as possible. With a CO2 air quality meter you can monitor the air quality and air the room when needed. The following measurements can be taken:
- Air ventilation through gaps, vents, or mechanical ventilation systems.
- Regularly air the room by opening two or more doors against each other for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Make sure that there is a proper maintenance of the ventilation systems.
- Avoid air recirculation within shared spaces.
Please note: (swing) fans or mobile air conditioners do not provide air ventilation and are best avoided in shared areas. Do you want to use (swing) fans or mobile air conditioners for cooling? Make sure that the air flow does not go from person to person.
Legislation
A CO2 air quality meter is ideal for public buildings such as hairdressers, schools, gyms, museums, sports clubs, etc. It is also possible to use this device at home to measure the air quality in a good way.
In a number of countries a CO2 air quality meter is mandatory. This is the case in building regulations in the Netherlands and in hairdressing salons in Belgium. Although a CO2 air quality meter is not yet mandatory in many places, it is strongly recommended.
As a distribution partner of Technoline, we provide consumers and businesses with a high quality CO2 air quality meter (best tested by the German Consumer Association). For more information and orders please visit www.technolinestore.com.
This blog was written in collaboration with Cooler Media – The Explanation Company. Do you have complex issues that require an explanation?