CO2air

CO2air is a nonstandard term used to describe air in which carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are higher than those found in typical outdoor air. It is not a specific chemical compound or product, but a description of environments where CO2 levels have been intentionally or unintentionally increased. The concept is commonly encountered in horticulture, certain industrial processes, and environmental monitoring.

CO2 concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Outdoor ambient air is near 400 ppm CO2. In greenhouse production, CO2 enrichment during daylight is commonly aimed at roughly 800–1,200 ppm to enhance photosynthesis and yield. Some research or industrial applications may use higher levels, but exposure to high CO2 concentrations can pose health risks. Levels above about 5,000 ppm are generally considered hazardous for occupied spaces, and rapid increases can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and impaired decision making.

CO2air is produced, controlled, and maintained through gas handling and ventilation systems. CO2 may be supplied from cylinders or regenerated from industrial processes and then mixed with ambient air using diffusers, fans, and dosing controllers to reach a target concentration. Adequate ventilation and air exchange are essential to prevent unsafe buildup and to ensure uniform distribution within the space. Monitoring with CO2 sensors is standard practice to adjust flow rates and trigger alarms if concentrations rise unexpectedly.

Applications of CO2-enriched air include agricultural propagation and greenhouse cultivation, inerting or process control in some manufacturing contexts, and certain food and beverage operations. Because CO2 is a greenhouse gas and can affect human health at high concentrations, safety standards and best practices emphasize proper system design, continuous monitoring, and adequate ventilation.