High levels of CO2 reduce the ability to learn and work

Carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide) has long been known as one of the greenhouse gases causing global warming. However, a recent study said that in addition to the above effects, carbon dioxide levels in classrooms, halls or offices also reduce the ability to perceive and work.

The assessment was performed on 22 adults with good health. Their ability to work has decreased when carbonnic concentration is increased from 600ppm to 1000ppm. In 7 tests, the ability of these people to work significantly decreased when CO2 concentration reached 2500ppm. Researchers recently published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives (Environmental Health Perspectives).

These figures are surprising because rooms with 1000 ppm CO ₂ concentrations were once considered to be well ventilated. The concentration of CO2 in buildings is usually higher than the outdoor CO ₂ concentration (outdoors, the concentration of CO ₂ in the air is about 350 to 450ppm). The concentration of CO ₂ in the home at 600ppm was considered very good. However, it depends on how many people are in the room and in every hour the air in the room is exchanged with the air many times (thanks to ventilation). There are many buildings with CO ₂ concentrations of about 2500ppm or nearly that level, even those buildings are designed to be in accordance with current standards.

In the US, classrooms often contain a lot of students, and CO ₂ concentrations in classrooms are often higher than 1000ppm. To reduce heating and cooling costs, many schools have limited ventilation, so many schools have CO ₂ concentrations up to 2500ppm.

The researchers said they found higher CO ₂ concentrations associated with increasing the number of truant students and reducing their ability to learn. However, they never thought CO ₂ was the cause.

Testing CO2 concentrations is not difficult. Handheld quick-measuring devices will help check the concentration of this gas quickly and accurately.