While the health risks of outdoor air pollution are widely acknowledged, the dangers of poor indoor air quality often go unnoticed. We refer to this as AirHealth. One of the often overlooked indoor pollutants is carbon dioxide (CO2), a colorless and odorless gas that can have direct and detrimental effects on our health and wellbeing.
Exposure to elevated CO2 levels can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and fatigue. These effects are largely attributed to the displacement of oxygen in the air, depriving the body of the essential element it needs for proper functioning. That drowsy feeling you’ve experienced in a stuffy conference room after a few hours? Likely to be high levels of CO2 in the air.
The impact of high CO2 levels is especially evident in occupations where individuals spend prolonged periods indoors. Office workers and students are at risk due to the closed spaces and sometimes limited mechanical ventilation. Concentrated CO2 can hinder cognitive function and productivity, affecting decision-making and overall job performance.
In classrooms, students and teachers can experience reduced focus and attention as CO2 accumulates throughout the day. Similarly, healthcare professionals, who work in environments with restricted airflow, may find their cognitive abilities compromised, impacting critical decision-making during high-pressure situations.
Addressing the health implications of high CO2 levels is not just a matter of comfort; it's a critical step toward promoting overall well-being and performance. Adequate ventilation, regular air exchange, and the use CO2 monitoring can indicate when to mitigate the negative effects of this silent threat. Understanding the impact of high CO2 levels serves as a reminder that clean air is an essential component of a healthy and productive workforce.
Know more about AirHealth here.
