Ventilate properly with CO2 measuring devices – coronavirus air sampling with Vira-Pore

CO2 measuring devices enable precise carbon dioxide measurements indoors and warn when poor indoor air values are exceeded. They check the air quality for its current CO2 content and remind you when it is time to ventilate when “critical values” are reached. This is done using a traffic light system or acoustic signals, for example.

If the CO2 contentin the room air increases, the viral load is also higher. There is then more exhaled air with aerosols in the air. These can transport coronaviruses or other viruses, increasing the risk of infection. In this sense, CO2 measuring devices fulfill an important function and are particularly recommended for use in schools and workplaces. However, CO2 measuring devices cannot identify coronaviruses.


Using the CO2 measuring devices with the Vira-Pore

A possible infection with coronavirus can be significantly reduced by increasing ventilation. However, it is still possible to become infected with the dangerous coronavirus or other virus variants.

With the virus sampling cassette Vira-Pore allows coronaviruses or other types of viruses with a ZePoretm filters and then analyzed by professional testing laboratories. In this way, it can be precisely determined whether the viral load occurred in the sampled rooms.


Instantaneous concentration of C02 – guide values

CO2 measuring devices (traffic lights, acoustic detectors, etc.) generally perform their function well in all rooms in which the CO2 content and viral load are to be reduced. The appropriate ventilation interval can be easily determined using current displays and signals. The CO2 warning function of these devices is particularly suitable for classrooms and businesses, generally where many people spend long periods of time together.

In 2008, the ad hoc working group on indoor guideline values defined health and hygiene-based guideline values for the instantaneous concentration of carbon dioxide (C02):

  • Carbon dioxide concentration below 1000 ppm = hygienically safe
  • Carbon dioxide concentration from 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm = hygienically conspicuous
  • Carbon dioxide concentration above 2000 ppm = hygienically unacceptable


If the CO2 content in the interior exceeds 1000 ppm (corresponds to 0.1%) , ventilation should be provided; if it exceeds 2000 ppm (corresponds to 0.2%), ventilation must be provided. If the conductance value of over 2000 ppm cannot be reduced by ventilation, other suitable measures must be taken, such as fewer people in the rooms or technical air filter systems.

An excessively high CO2 content, from 0.1 percent, can already put a strain on health and lead to tiredness and lack of concentration. The average CO2 concentration should therefore remain below 1000 ppm (0.1 %).


Functions of CO2 measuring devices

CO2 measuring devices measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (Co2) in the room air. They have a sensor through which the air flow passes, measuring the current proportion of CO2 in the indoor air. The CO2 value determined is often shown on a display in “parts per million”, abbreviated to “ppm“.

There are also models of CO2 measuring devices that have an easy-to-read traffic light system such as light bars, from “green” for good room air to “red” as a signal for a CO2 concentration. Other CO2 measuring devices give acute signals that give an audible warning if the carbon dioxide content is critically exceeded.

The devices often have additional functions such as displaying the room temperature or humidity. This may help to prevent mold growth or reduce its spread.


Correct locations for CO2 measuring devices in rooms

As with other measuring devices, the CO2 measuring devices should be positioned approximately at head height or at working height, sitting height or in the breathing zone. There are mobile devices or those that are stationary, e.g. can only be fixed (to the wall).


Coronavirus air sampling indoors with the Vira-Pore virus sampling cassette

The Vira-Pore virus sampling cassette is an ideal support for measuring coronaviruses indoors. It can also be used to test whether the existing ventilation intervals or ventilation precautions are sufficient. Especially in the ongoing pandemic, the use of the Vira-Pore filter cassette for coronavirus air sampling to quickly detect the rapid spread of infections indoors.

The Vira-Pore filter cassette with the matching GSA measuring devices SG10-2, SG10-2A or SG12 usually only takes about 10 minutes to measure. Sampling is virtually interference-free and quiet, so that (shift) work, school lessons or office work, for example, can take place without interruption during this phase.

With the use of the Vira-Pore virus sampling cassette the room air can be regularly tested for coronaviruses, as if on a daily basis. become. After the laboratory analysis it is then certain whether coronaviruses or other types of viruses were present in the sampled room air within a group of people or only in individuals. A quantity or concentration of coronaviruses in the air can also be derived. Regular measurements are important if people frequently use the same rooms for long periods of time and can become infected in the process.

The Vira-Pore virus sampling cassette makes mass testing for coronaviruses in rooms possible. We would be happy to advise you on this product for coronavirus air sampling and its many areas of application.


Sources:

Image source: 123rf.com © belchonok Image no. 160716924

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