Maintaining good air quality is essential to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in closed spaces. After almost two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has determined that there is significant evidence on the transmission of Sars-CoV-2 infection through aerosols. Fine and ultrafine particles can remain in suspension for several hours in closed and poorly ventilated environments, which can disperse depending on the air stream. That is why many regional administrations have adopted as a measure the mandatory installation of CO2 monitors in hotels or gyms to guarantee capacity control. Where should I install my CO2 device to ensure correct monitoring?
What should you consider before installing a CO2 monitor?
The installation of any gas sensor always depends on the gas in question to be monitored and the most important thing is to know if it weighs more or less than air. Carbon dioxide is a heavier gas than air and, therefore, tends to go down (air is composed mainly of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon), so it is important not to place the device too high or too low since it is not one of the heaviest gases either. Ideally, install it at a height of between 1m and 1.5m.
Likewise, for a correct measurement, the device must be:
- Away from doors and windows, because otherwise, it would be giving CO2 values from outside.
- Away about 50 cm from people, otherwise, when you exhale air (with a high concentration of CO2), it can give very high values and generate false alarms.
- Away from sources of combustion, such as kitchens in restaurants.
However, in addition to all this, it is also important that the CO2 sensor uses NDIR technology. The more precise the stability of the sensor, the greater security will be achieved to comply with the prevention regulations in the best possible way.
Is it monitoring CO2 enough to prevent the risk of infection?
CO2 measurement is simply an indicator of ventilation rate and social distance, which is why it has been one of the strategies adopted by public administrations to guarantee capacity control in indoor spaces. However, If the purpose is to reduce the risk of contagion, it is important to monitor other parameters, especially considering that there is the certainty that the main way of transmission of SARS-COV-2 is respiratory, through aerosols (drops less than 5 microns).
For example, it has recently been discovered that influenza (flu) virus can spread through dust, fibers, and other microscopic particles. The result of this research highlights the need to monitor PM dust particles in the ambient air of indoor spaces.
Likewise, scientific investigations have also analyzed how humidity levels in indoor environments play an important role in the transmission of the coronavirus. Keeping RH levels between 40% and 60% incapacitates airborne virus particles, so monitoring temperature and humidity is also key to containing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
ENVIRA has developed its own indoor air quality device, Nanoenvi IAQ. This equipment has been designed for high precision monitoring in the most demanding environments. Its sensors are configured and calibrated individually, achieving the maximum precision offered by technology and ensuring maximum accuracy, reliability, and stability in measurements.
Nanoenvi IAQ monitors the parameters of:
Nanoenvi IAQ monitors the parameters of:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Carbon monoxide (CO).
- PM particles (1, 2.5, 4, 10)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Temperature.
- HR.
- Atmospheric pressure.
If your is one of those affected by the regulations that require the installation of CO2 monitors, remember that ENVIRA, in addition to having a high-precision device for measurement, can also offer you technical advice and comprehensive service for the verification and calibration of sensors. You can contact us through the following link.
