CO₂ values as an indication of infectious indoor air
Since the Corona pandemic, aerosols, i.e. tiny droplets of liquid, have been considered a major transmission route for viral diseases such as SARS-CoV2 or influenza. Each person exhales about eight liters of air per minute. This breath comes from the lung tissue, where it could pick up viruses. When exhaled, the aerosols enter the room air and float here due to their low sinking speed. This means that the room air is contaminated for a long time. Since the air in the room moves, the people in the room are exposed to an increased risk of infection even if they are at a sufficient distance from the infected person. If a healthy person now breathes in these contaminated droplets, the disease can be transmitted. In unventilated rooms, the viral load increases rapidly.
A direct measurement of the virus-laden aerosols is not possible. This is mainly due to the large number of viral diseases and the associated deviations of the particles. The CO₂ contentcan be used as an indicator of the increase in viral load and thus of an increased risk of transmission. This is because while fresh air contains only a 0.05% volume fraction of CO₂, exhaled air contains 4% of the gas. Without a supply of fresh air, the CO₂ content in indoor spaces therefore increases continuously. A measured CO₂ concentration of approx. 1200 ppm, for example, means that almost 2 % of the indoor air consists of air that has already been exhaled. Every 50th breath brings exhaled air into our own lungs.
The CO₂ sensors of the air-Q can reduce the risk of infection
According to the Federal Environment Agency's general guide to health assessment of carbon dioxide in indoor air, a CO₂ concentration of less than 1000 ppm is hygienically safe. A concentration between 1000 and 2000 ppm, on the other hand, is classified by the Commission as a concern and anything above that as unacceptable.
High-quality CO₂ sensors, such as those used in the air-Q air measuring device, are therefore an ideal way to check the air quality in rooms and thus reduce any impending risk of infection. If the carbon dioxide content exceeds a certain value, ventilation is required.
The air-Q virus-free index can protect against infectious diseases
In our new app version, you get a virus-free index. Based on the carbon dioxide content of the room air, we estimate the risk of infection. If the virus-free index indicates 100%, the virus load is low. If, on the other hand, a low percentage is indicated, the air quality is poor and the risk of infection increases. You should urgently ensure air exchange.
The air-Q air monitor with virus-free index is suitable for rooms with high occupancy density, such as:
- Practice rooms
- Waiting room in surgeries
- Offices
- Conference, meeting and training rooms
- Schools & educational institution (universities etc.)
- Kitas
- Cafes, restaurants
With our CO₂ sensor, you can estimate how much stale air is in the interior and prevent infections through targeted ventilation. You can also set limit values for the air-Q air meter. If these are reached, the air-Q will trip.
Your benefits from the air-Q virus-free index:
- safe feeling
- Demand-oriented ventilation based on measurement data
- Reduction of germ-laden aerosols in the room air
- Reduction risk of infection
- intuitive warning through visual LED traffic light system
Present & visualize measurement data with the air-Q widgets
Show your customers, clients or patients the current air quality in the room. With the help of the new air-Q Smart Widgets, you can present the measured values of all air-Q sensors on info screens, in presentations and on websites. Our attractive info screens display the measured values live. In addition to entertainment, you offer those waiting a safe feeling and thus create trust in your company.
(Contributed image: air-Q/ canva.com)
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