How can we reduce Covid-19 risk through CO₂ measurement?
Several studies show that COVID-19 is spread by aerosols. That is why one of the barrier actions is proper ventilation of confined spaces. But most of the time, it is not implemented or not often enough for these aerosols to be vented.
CO₂ measurement is an interesting indicator for air quality monitoring. Find out why in our article and our solutions to reduce the risk of transmission.
Why are aerosols a possible vector for the transmission of COVID-19?
There are different modes of transmission of COVID-19:
- by splashing of contaminated droplets (such as sputum) from a carrier person
- by direct physical contact (shaking hands, hugging, kissing) by a carrier
- by indirect contact (via contaminated objects or surfaces) by a carrier
- by air in a confined space, especially aerosols*.
* Aerosols are small droplets (on average 5 µm). They are released when people talk, sing, cough or sneeze. These particles can remain infectious for up to 3 hours and remain in the air for up to 9 minutes because of their small size. This is why aerosols represent one of the possible transmission routes of COVID-19.
It is thanks to the identification of these modes of transmission that barrier measures have been put in place.
Why is measuring CO₂ a good indicator of air quality?
Most of the barrier actions are known but they are more or less well applied. For example, room ventilation: when to know whether or not to open the windows and for how long?
When we breathe in, we exhale CO₂ into the ambient air. A high concentration of CO₂ in the room can be linked to an increase in bacterial concentration as well as an increase in infection rates. That is why the measurement of this rate is interesting because a high rate therefore indicates that the air renewal is insufficient as well as the aerosols that may contain the virus are suspended in the ambient air.
In order to protect all persons present in confined spaces for a prolonged period of time against infection by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, regular ventilation is necessary. This is why the High Council for Public Health - HCSP - officially recommends ventilation from 800 ppm (ppm = parts per million, i.e. volumes per million of rooms).
We tested for you: the traffic light CO₂
Health measures require us to telecommute as much as possible. However, it is sometimes necessary to physically see our colleagues - even masked - in order to continue our activities and to provide you with the quality of service that you know. But it must remain productive and friendly in the best security conditions.
This is why we were looking for a simple and efficient solution for our premises (meeting room, workshop, office) to improve the security, concentration and performance of all.
Easy to use
Simply plug in the column power unit and wait for the device to self-calibrate before the CO₂ warning light is operational. The device measures and warns when there is too much CO₂ and there is a risk of spreading the virus.
No need for training, everyone knows the principle of the traffic light. It's simple and easy for everyone to understand:
- Red: you must leave the room and ventilate. It is only possible to return when the light is green.
- Yellow: You have to ventilate the room because we have reached the limit recommended by the Federal Office for the Environment.
- Green: Everything is fine!
The LEDs are clearly visible at 360° even in very bright rooms, so if the red or orange LEDs light up: you must act!
Where to place the column?
Ideally, the CO₂ signal light should be placed in the center of the room, i.e., not too close to the window and within 2 meters of the floor. Since carbon dioxide is distributed fairly evenly throughout the room, one signal light is sufficient for most rooms. Two signal lights are recommended for large conference rooms or sports halls.
This is how we tested and adopted the CO₂ signal column!
The proof in the pudding
Our feedback from the reception of the traffic lights:
- Simply plug the column into a standard 220V power supply / socket
- The green light starts to flash for a few minutes to calibrate the device
- When the green light stops blinking: it is operational!
At BE ATEX, we have placed the traffic lights in our meeting rooms, in our open space, in our break room ;-)
