Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by respiration (breathing out) as well as by burning carbon and organic compounds. It is naturally present in air at low levels (about 400ppm outdoors) and is absorbed by plants in photosynthesis. It is not to be mistaken with Carbon Monoxide (CO)!

Symptoms of elevated eCO2 levels

Most common symptoms of elevated eCO2 levels are headaches, fatigue, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Other possible symptoms of elevated eCO2 levels include allergic skin reaction, shortness of breath, signs of poisoning, nausea, vomiting, nose bleeding, and dizziness.

What to do when levels are elevated?

There are two basic steps recommended once elevated levels have been detected.

First, increase your rooms ventilation to lower eCO2 levels at least temporarily. That can be done by opening windows, increasing A/C flow, or replacing air filters in your HVAC system.

Second, attempt to find the cause of the elevated levels and remediate them. What may have been changed around your home just before the levels rose. Use the app's trend charts and correlate events with rising levels.

Short-term vs long-term elevated levels

It is important to note that short term increases, such as temporary increases due to a failed HVAC system or dirty air filters are less of a long-term health concern, yet they should be mitigated. To determine and distinguish between short-term, temporary increases, and long-term exposure, please, review the long-term trend charts on your app and read the long-term averages provided.

If you observe high levels of eCO2 over extended periods of time and are unable to determine the root cause, we recommend you contact an Indoor Air Quality Specialist.

For more info, find your Regional EPA Office or State Indoor Air Quality Information!!

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