Carbon dioxide gas detection
Carbon dioxide or CO2, is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas. It is often referred to as a greenhouse gas in connection with climate change. It can be dangerous to humans if the concentration is too high. With a suitable measuring device, you can measure carbon dioxide and monitor the concentration in the air.
Why should carbon dioxide be measured?
Carbon dioxide, like carbon monoxide, is toxic to humans. It is produced naturally by living organism and is found in ambient air everywhere in nature. However, as it is toxic in higher concentrations, there are good reasons to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide. Because in high concentrations, this substance can be dangerous to humans.
Just think of the typical fermentation cellar accident:
At slightly higher concentrations, carbon dioxide causes symptoms such as headache, tiredness, dizziness and lack of concentration. A person working in a cellar falls down because she suddenly feels unwell. Carbon dioxide is relatively heavy and accumulates on the floor. People lying on the floor are exposed to an even higher concentration and might even die. This danger was even known in ancient Greece.
For lack of better options, a candle was carried as a primitive warning system. If it no longer burned brightly, or even went out, it was high time to leave the cellar. Today, the limit value for workplaces is 5,000 ppm. Fermenting cellars and even dispensing systems must be monitored.
Carbon dioxide impedes the absorption of oxygen in the body. High concentrations lead to unconsciousness and respiratory arrest. Prolonged exposure leads to death from gas poisoning. The dangerous thing about carbon dioxide is that this gas is odourless and tasteless and therefore imperceptible to the senses. It is produced as a by-product of many natural processes (respiration, fermentation, decomposition processes, combustion) and can therefore occur anywhere.
The good news is that carbon dioxide rarely poses a threat if there is sufficient ventilation. If you want to ensure the safety and performance of your employees in your business premises, you can measure the carbon dioxide with a suitable measuring device to keep the concentration constantly below the legally regulated workplace limit value of less than 5000 ppm.
Measure carbon dioxide with devices from Compur
In the Compur product range you will find many high-quality gas detectors and gas analysers for everyday use, with which you can reliably measure the concentration of carbon dioxide. Many of our stationary models also measure CO2, e.g. the Statox LC IR. Do you need help choosing the right measuring device for carbon dioxide? Our customer service team will be happy to help you make the right choice!

Dr. Josef von Stackelberg
Geschäftsführer COMPUR MONITORS GmbH & Co. KG
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