Critical Environment Technologies
    Asphyxiants

    Carbon Dioxide

    CO₂

    Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas essential for plant photosynthesis and human life, but hazardous to humans at elevated concentrations. Normal atmospheric CO₂ is approximately 420 ppm. As a refrigerant (R-744), CO₂ is increasingly used in transcritical refrigeration systems for supermarkets and industrial applications, offering zero ODP and GWP of 1. CO₂ accumulation in enclosed spaces can cause oxygen displacement and direct physiological effects including headaches, dizziness, and at higher levels, unconsciousness and death. CO₂ monitoring is essential in beverage dispensing areas, breweries, indoor agriculture, refrigeration machinery rooms, cylinder storage rooms and any space where CO₂ may accumulate.

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    Key Information

    Essential safety and exposure information for Carbon Dioxide

    Health Effects

    • CO₂ is odorless and displaces oxygen
    • Mild to moderate exposure can cause headaches and fatigue
    • High concentrations can quickly lead to confusion, unconsciousness, or respiratory collapse and death

    Common Sources

    • Breweries and wineries (fermentation)
    • Greenhouses (enrichment)
    • IAQ (respiration)
    • Restaurants and bottling lines (carbonation)
    • Cylinder storage rooms
    • Refrigeration
    • Dry ice
    • Fire suppression systems
    • Fumigation and sterilization

    Exposure Limits

    OSHA PEL
    5,000 ppm
    NIOSH REL
    5,000 ppm (STEL 30,000)
    ACGIH TLV
    5,000 ppm (STEL 30,000)
    40,000 ppm (IDLH)
    40,000 ppm (IDLH)

    Regulatory Status

    ASHRAE Standard 62.1 treats CO₂ as an indoor air quality indicator, focusing on ventilation effectiveness rather than requiring dedicated gas detection alarms. NFPA 55 , 12 , 70 and 72, by contrast, classifies CO₂ as a life safety hazard and mandates gas detection, alarms, and ventilation controls in areas where CO₂ is stored or used in bulk.

    Detection Requirements

    Sensor Technology
    Infrared (NDIR)
    Sensor Detection Ranges
    0-2000 ppm or 0-5,000 ppm (IAQ), 0-5% (greenhouse, refrigeration)
    Alarm Setpoints
    Low 1,000 ppm, Mid 1,250 ppm, High 1,500 ppm / Low 0.5% vol, Mid 1.5% vol, High 3.0% vol
    Mounting
    Breathing height for IAQ, generally near floor level (heavier than air) for other applications

    Detection Solutions Coming Soon

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