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Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can
indicate the amount of fresh air
ventilation being provided to a
space. Higher levels mean less
fresh air and greater chance of
pollutant buildup.
What is it?
People breath in oxygen and breath
out CO2. Most combustion devices
also produce large amounts of CO2.
The lowest levels of CO2 is found in
fresh outside air at 400 to 500 ppm
(parts-per-million).
What does it mean?
In indoor spaces, if CO2 levels build
up it is usually due to lack of
ventilation. Since ventilation is the
primary method of controlling
pollutants indoors, increased
concentrations of CO2 are an
indicator that other gases and
contaminants my also be building
up. New “Green” and “Smart”
buildings now use CO2 sensors to
measure and control ventilation.
Most existing buildings do not yet
measure or use CO2 for control.
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Humidity
The relative humidity of air
indicates the amount of moisture in
the air. Moisture levels that are too
high or too low can creat e
conditions for mold and bacteria to
thrive.
What is it?
Relative humidity is the amount of
moisture that air can hold at a given
temperature. As levels approach
100% RH, moisture will condense
out of air.
What does it mean?
Extended period of humidity over
60% RH indoors can create
conditions favorable to mold and
mildew growth that can affect
allergies and general health. Very
high levels of humidity can lead to
condensation on cold surfaces that
can cause staining, potential
structural damage and accelerated
mold growth. Ideally levels in
indoor environments should be
between 40%RH and 60% RH.
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Temperature
The temperature of air can be an
important indicator of comfort.
Humidity levels and the potential for
mold growth also significantly
affected by temperature.
What is it?
The Personal AirTest monitor can
display temperatures in ºF or ºC.
Check your space to ensure it is at
the temperature you like. Check
how your space temperature
compare to the setting on the
thermostat.
What does it mean?
We all know the temperature
affects comfort. It also affects
humidity. For every 1ºF decrease in temperature there is approximately a 2% increase inhumidity. If a space or surfaces in a space get too cool it can lead to conditions that encourage the
growth of
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The Personal AirTest Monitor (PM2200) is an affordable, air quality indicator that provides the functionality of a desktop clock and calendar with a continuous indication of three of the most important indicators of indoor environmental quality: carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature. If desired, the monitor can provide an audible alert if concentrations are beyond acceptable limits. The large LCD display will also interpret the indoor carbon dioxide readings and indicate if ventilation rates are “good”, “normal” or “poor”. The Personal AirTest Monitor requires no maintenance or calibration and uses advanced sensor technology previously only available in professional air quality diagnostic equipment.
