We are often asked to place CO2 measurement sensors in buildings. This CO2 measurement has become popular since the COVID episode.
Measuring CO2 makes it possible to judge the quality of ventilation. CO2 is not, strictly speaking, a measure of the presence of pollutants in the ambient air. CO2 is produced by human activity (we all release CO2 by breathing). Maintaining a low CO2 level, regardless of the number of people present, demonstrates that ventilation is effective.
Common pollutants include PM – Particulate Matter. These are solid particles or droplets, coming from combustion, road traffic, construction, dust, etc.
Micro particle pollution is measured according to its presence rate, depending on the size of the micro particles:
- PM 10: particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers
- PM 2.5: particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers
The fineness of these particles allows them to enter the lungs and blood. The European Commission estimates that PM 2.5 is the cause of the premature death of 253,000 people per year in Europe!
So, how to fight against micro particles?
✅Measure air quality and specifically micro particles.
✅Generate alerts if an acceptable threshold is exceeded
✅Ventilate
✅Place HEPA filters in your ventilation, and make sure to replace them regularly
✅Regularly clean the surfaces of your buildings and offices
Europe has set itself the objective of reducing the number of deaths linked to air pollution by 55%. It is time to act in our buildings, in our offices and workshops.
