Building Carbon Dioxide and Airborne COVID-19 Spread

 

Increased occupancy leads to higher building carbon dioxide levels. With proper ventilation, this isn’t a problem. However, poor ventilation impacts indoor air quality which is made even more unsafe by viruses.

It is established science that the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads by aerosol transmission. The coronavirus attaches to tiny droplets expelled by coughing and sneezing. Once released, these aerosols move throughout the occupied space. As a result of this connection between high CO2 levels, poor ventilation, and viral transmission, proper building carbon dioxide must be maintained. In the end, monitoring and reducing indoor CO2 concentrations lower indoor COVID-19 infection risk.

Maintaining Safe Building Carbon Dioxide

Reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission requires proper ventilation. If the threat to safe building carbon dioxide levels is the problem, then Pure Air Control’s Building Sciences program is the solution.

Building Sciences

Ideally, indoor CO2 concentrations must never go above 1,000 parts per million (fresh air has a concentration of 400 ppm). Therefore, the best way to ensure safe building carbon dioxide levels is with IAQ monitoring along with hygienic HVAC cleaning to resolve ventilation and CO2 buildup issues.

Building Sciences services includes three important components:

Building Health Check

A Building Health Check is an important first step in maintaining safe building carbon dioxide levels. Field and lab tests measure IAQ using samples analyzed by the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory. Then the A2LA-accredited lab tests for bacteria, mold, and other pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. It reassures staff and visitors that a coronavirus management program is in place. When the lab detects an issue, remediation follows.

HVAC Hygiene Assessment

When monitoring reveals an IAQ issue, such as a high building carbon dioxide level, an HVAC Hygiene Assessment pinpoints the ventilation problem. The assessment includes a visual inspection of the air handling unit, evaporator coils, and ductwork. After testing collected samples, the EDLab issues a report as well as recommendations for improvements.

IAQ Guard: Monitor Building CO2 Levels

The IAQ Guard system detects high carbon dioxide levels that help spread the coronavirus. It also lowers energy costs by revealing ways to improve ventilation. IAQ monitoring is important because of the established link between indoor CO2 concentration and aerosol density. IAQ Guard monitors CO2 levels so facilities managers can react quickly to abnormal readings.

Monitors placed throughout the building track more than CO2 levels. They also send alerts to changes in temperature and relative humidity, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and particulate matter. A change in these levels triggers an alert to the remote Building Sciences team. The team gathers this real-time IAQ data and shares it with facilities directors. This helps building engineers maintain safe building carbon dioxide levels and meet ASHRAE, LEED, and OSHA standards.

Improving Building Carbon Dioxide Levels

When IAQ monitoring shows a problem with a building’s HVAC system, building managers have choices for remediation.

HVAC New Life — Increases the lifespan and performance of older AHUs.

PURE-Steam — Cleans AHUs using high-temperature steam with an emphasis on the evaporator coils.

PURE-Duct — Uses high-pressure air turbulence to knock out dust and debris which is then removed using an industrial-strength vacuum system equipped with a HEPA filter.

PURE-Decon — Reaches areas left untouched by topical cleaners and includes EPA-certified room disinfection services.

Bipolar Ionization — Releases charged ions that destroy pathogens like the coronavirus. These commercial bipolar ionizers work around the clock so the result is clean air in occupied spaces.

Keep Building Carbon Dioxide Levels in Check

Keep your building’s CO2 levels down, improve IAQ, and keep building occupants safe with Pure Air Control Services. Schedule a consultation today and we’ll help you meet your IAQ goals. Call 1-800-422-7873 or email us here.