CO2 Meter on CNBC (Interview with Dr.Koz)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has become an important gas to monitor and detect in this post COVID world. CO2 monitoring is required for the safe handling and storage of millions of vaccines. In addition, CO2 detection is a useful proxy that measures infection risk within a closed indoor space.
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Why Was Dr. Koz Interviewed by CNBC?
Seema Mody, a global markets reporter for CNBC, interviewed Dr. Koz in December 2020. She was reporting on the Pfizer vaccine rollout, specifically on the ultra-cold temperatures required for storing the COVID-19 vaccine. Developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and Germany-based BioNTech, vaccine shipment and storage has driven a buying frenzy for freezers and dry ice.
Medical workers and nurse technicians immunizing citizens also have to learn how to properly handle dry ice. CO2 meters have increased in demand to help monitor increased CO2 levels caused by dry ice. In addition, demand of CO2 monitors is amplified due to the reopening of schools. Many school districts use CO2 monitors to ensure classrooms have enough fresh air to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Where Is the CNBC Article?
The article quotes Forensics Detectors as follows:
Forensics Detectors — a small business based in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, which specializes in monitoring toxic gases like CO2 — has also seen sales skyrocket. “My sales have increased over 10 times over the past three months, owner Dr. Kos Galatsis told CNBC. “We are sold out of carbon dioxide detectors.”
The article can be found by clicking here.
What is a CO2 meter?
A CO2 meter is a device used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. It is commonly used in indoor environments, such as homes, offices, and schools, to monitor the air quality and ensure that the CO2 concentration is within safe levels.
CO2 meters work by measuring the amount of infrared light absorbed by CO2 molecules in the air. This information is then used to calculate the concentration of CO2 in parts per million (ppm).
Exposure to high levels of CO2 can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health problems. Therefore, CO2 meters are important tools for ensuring that indoor environments are safe and healthy for occupants.
How does a CO2 meter work?
A CO2 meter works by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air using a technique called non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy. Here's how it works:
- The CO2 meter contains an infrared light source that emits a beam of light with a specific wavelength.
- The light beam is directed through a sample of air, which contains CO2 molecules.
- Some of the light is absorbed by the CO2 molecules in the air, which causes a reduction in the intensity of the light beam.
- The remaining light passes through the sample and is detected by a sensor on the other side of the meter.
- The sensor measures the intensity of the light beam and calculates the concentration of CO2 in the air based on the amount of light absorbed by the CO2 molecules.
The CO2 meter displays the concentration of CO2 in parts per million (ppm) on a digital readout, and some models also provide visual and audible alarms when the CO2 concentration exceeds a certain threshold.
Overall, CO2 meters are an effective and reliable tool for monitoring indoor air quality and ensuring that CO2 concentrations are within safe levels for human health and comfort.
What Should the CO2 read?
The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air can vary depending on the specific indoor environment and the number of occupants. Generally, outdoor air typically contains around 400 ppm (parts per million) of CO2, while indoor levels can range from 400 ppm to over 1000 ppm depending on the space, ventilation, and occupancy.
In terms of recommended levels, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that CO2 concentrations in the workplace should not exceed 5,000 ppm over an eight-hour workday. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor CO2 concentrations should not exceed 1,000 ppm above outdoor levels.
Therefore, a CO2 meter in an indoor environment should read below 1000 ppm to ensure good indoor air quality. If the CO2 concentration is higher than this level, it may indicate that the space is poorly ventilated or there are too many occupants for the ventilation system. It is important to take action to improve ventilation, reduce occupancy, or both to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
What Is Fueling the CO2 Meter Demand?
Carbon dioxide monitors are used to continuously detect CO2 levels and alarm so action can be taken - increase fresh air, ventilation, reduce occupants, open windows, open doors, and other measures.
What Are the CO2 Meters Offered by Forensics?
About The AuthorDr. Koz is the President of FORENSICS DETECTORS where the company operates from the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years. 
Everyday is a blessing for Dr. Koz. He loves to help customers solve their unique problems. Dr. Koz also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach, grilling burgers and having a cold beer. Read more about Forensics Detectors here. Email: drkoz@forensicsdetectors.com
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