Measure CO? to reduce the risk of infection from aerosols

What are aerosols?

Aerosols are the smallest droplets or suspended particles that are released into the air when exhaled. They are only a few micrometres or nanometres in size, so they float in the air and sink to the ground very slowly. The air is breathed out when breathing, speaking or singing. Every person permanently emits CO? and aerosols. As a result, pathogens and viruses, such as corona viruses, can be transmitted.

Aerosols in rooms

In general, the risk of infection indoors is significantly higher than outdoors because the aerosol particles remain in the air longer. Due to the increasing aerosol concentration, there is a risk of the undetected spread of pathogens. If the aerosol concentration is sufficiently high, the aerosols can be inhaled despite the (safety) distance. This is known as airborne transmission by aerosols. The lower the aerosol concentration, the lower the dose of aerosols that a person inhales and thus the lower the risk of infection. This risk due to airborne transmission can be reduced by displacement or mixing with uncontaminated air. This requires regular ventilation or optimal adjustment of the ventilation system.

Measuring CO? to combat aerosols

The CO? level increases when lots of people are in a poorly ventilated room. From the CO? concentration, the probable aerosol load can be concluded. The higher the CO? level, the higher the risk of inhaling aerosols that another person has breathed out shortly before. The CO? concentration is therefore a type of indirect measurement for possible exposure to aerosols. Indoor air, which is only polluted by human use, is usually assessed by the CO? quality. CO? sensors can help to detect how polluted the air in a room is. A CO? concentration of up to 1,000 ppm (parts per million) indoors is acceptable. For comparison: Outside air has a CO? value of approx. 400 ppm.

Start to monitor your Indoor Air Quality today, contact Testo SMI at [email protected] for more information.