Clearing the Air: Understanding the Risks of Carbon Dioxide in Our Homes
Are you suffering from headaches? Fatigue? Nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness? Elevated carbon dioxide levels in your home may lead to several health risks.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is generally considered non-toxic at typical indoor concentrations, but in elevated levels it can potentially displace oxygen in your home.
CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere and is produced through various natural processes such as respiration and the decay of organic matter.
Elevated Levels of Carbon Dioxide in your home:
Everyday human activities and certain appliances primarily generate carbon dioxide gas in your home. Some familiar sources of carbon dioxide in homes include:
Human respiration: During breathing, you exhale carbon dioxide as a natural byproduct. You can imagine how much carbon dioxide will be in the air if you are in a tightly enclosed space.
Combustion appliances: Gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces that burn natural gas, propane, or other fuels produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct of combustion because they use the oxygen available during the process.
Indoor plants: Your indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and they also respire and release small amounts of carbon dioxide, especially in poorly ventilated spaces or during periods of low light and nights.
Heating and cooling systems: You should know that your central heating and air conditioning systems may contribute to indoor carbon dioxide levels if not adequately ventilated.
Gasoline-powered tools and vehicles: Using gasoline-powered tools around the house or cars running in your garage attached to your home can lead to elevated carbon dioxide levels indoors.
Excessive Occupancy: You have noted that when your space is overcrowded, insufficient fresh air leads to stuffiness and discomfort. Congestion in indoor spaces with many people can lead to higher carbon dioxide levels due to increased respiration rates.
Health Risks of Elevated Carbon Dioxide in Your Home:
Elevated carbon dioxide levels in your home can lead to several health risks. Some of the health risks associated with high levels of carbon dioxide include:
Reduced cognitive function: When you breathe air with elevated levels of CO2, your mental functions will be impaired, leading to decreased concentration, reduced decision-making ability, and difficulty focusing.
Headaches: When higher-than-normal carbon dioxide levels are in your home's air, you can experience headaches, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Increased heart rate and breathing: In environments with elevated CO2 concentrations, the body may improve heart and respiratory rates to compensate for reduced oxygen levels.
Fatigue: You will feel tired and lethargic due to prolonged exposure to elevated carbon dioxide levels, as the body may struggle to obtain sufficient oxygen for normal functioning.
Nausea and dizziness: In severe cases of carbon dioxide exposure, individuals may experience nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
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