Carbon dioxide is present in all environments, both indoors and outdoors. Today, there are strict regulations governing the analysis and measurement of carbon dioxide levels in buildings. Indeed, this gas can be dangerous for the most fragile members of our society, namely children.
Carbon dioxide, a gas in our daily lives
Carbon dioxide can come from human and industrial activities. It can be found outdoors in exhaust fumes, deforestation, organic decomposition, etc. In indoor environments, in addition to human respiration, which generates CO2, household appliances and heating systems can emit this gas.
Detecting Carbon Dioxide
To detect Carbon Dioxide, use a suitable detector. Carbon Dioxide sensors are designed to help you measure and analyze Indoor Air Quality. Installation of this device in enclosed spaces (homes or buildings) is not mandatory, but recommended. However, the detection of Carbon Dioxide is subject to legislation, particularly in ERP (Établissements Recevant du Public).
What the law says
Carbon dioxide detection in public buildings is taken very seriously. Indeed, young children and the most vulnerable people face health risks if they are exposed to this gas for too long. The concentration of Carbon Dioxide in indoor air is one of the criteria on which building ventilation regulations are based.
In 2023, the regulations have been revised. ERP are obliged to monitor their Indoor Air Quality. These new measures are part of the government’s “4th National Environmental Health Plan”, entitled “One Environment, One Health”.
These rules are grouped into 4 key stages:
- Annual assessment of ventilation systems, including direct-reading measurement of CO2 concentration in indoor air
- A self-diagnosis of Indoor Air Quality at least every four years
- A measurement campaign for regulatory pollutants, carried out at each key stage in the life of the building by an accredited organization
- An action plan taking into account the annual assessment of ventilation systems, the self-diagnosis and the above-mentioned measurement campaign.
The aim is to improve the Indoor Air Quality of buildings and ensure the well-being of all. Today, the health crisis has highlighted the importance of implementing an environmental strategy to control air quality in every ERP.