NO PLACE TO HIDE The devices allows operators to easily monitor carbon dioxide levels
Monitoring devices that are able to detect high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been introduced to the local market to help detect poor air quality that can lead to sick building syndrome.
Sick building syndrome refers to the condition affecting office workers, typically marked by headaches and respiratory problems, attributed to unhealthy or stressful factors in the working environment such as poor ventilation.
Distributed and supported by local technology provider Euca Technologies, on behalf of logging and monitoring systems specialists Onset Computer Corporation, the handheld devices allow building operators to easily monitor CO2 and other substances to ensure the health of occupants – especially in healthcare facilities, classrooms, offices, factories and places that are susceptible to the build-up of gases.
It may also be useful to monitor the air quality of a building where occupants constantly suffer from ailments, are constantly tired or where lower-than-usual productivity is observed in the workplace.
“We also find the problem is exacerbated at times of the year when windows and doors are shut for comfort reasons, which may inadvertently also contribute to the sick building syndrome,” says Euca Technologies MD Ernest Campling.
He explains that the monitoring devices are small, unobtrusive and highly accurate. They allow easy access to air quality information from a handheld device or laptop through a plug-in or the cloud. It gives building owners and landlords insights to support better decisions regarding ventilation control and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades. These are projects that can lead to significant energy savings and improved overall indoor air quality.
Comprehensive, location-specific CO2 data in building environments also helps to focus on HVAC improvements using the most effective and cost-efficient solutions.
“Increased CO2 inside is a big deal; after all, we spend almost 90% of our lives indoors. So, when it comes to monitoring indoor air quality for CO2, data loggers can be a great safety measure. Fortunately, our battery-powered CO2 data loggers easily measure indoor concentrations.”
These compact handheld devices can be used anywhere throughout a building where data is needed. Measurements typically range from 0 to 5 000 parts per million.
“Our data loggers provide a cost-effective method to assess indoor air quality, helping to eliminate sick building syndrome and harmful pollutants typical of tight and poorly ventilated structures.