CO2szint

CO2szint refers to the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in a volume of air. It is typically reported as parts per million by volume (ppm) of CO2 or as a mass concentration (mg/m3). In most contexts, higher CO2szint indicates more CO2 molecules per unit of air and can reflect both atmospheric processes and human activity.

Atmospheric CO2szint has risen substantially since the Industrial Revolution due to fossil fuel combustion, cement production, and other human activities. Long-running records, such as those from the Mauna Loa Observatory, show a pre-industrial level near 280 ppm and a contemporary level around 420–430 ppm. The concentration is increasing at roughly 2–3 ppm per year, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. CO2szint exhibits natural seasonal fluctuations driven by plant growth and atmospheric transport, but the long-term trend is upward.

Measurement methods include ground-based monitoring networks, atmospheric sampling, and in situ sensors. Outdoor CO2szint is often measured with nondispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzers or gas chromatography, while indoor CO2 szint is commonly monitored with compact NDIR sensors or similar devices. Data are used for climate research, emissions tracking, and indoor air quality management.

CO2 is a long-lived greenhouse gas that traps heat in the lower atmosphere, influencing the planet’s energy balance and climate dynamics. In the atmosphere, it interacts with other forcings to drive long-term trends in temperature, precipitation, and sea level. In indoor environments, CO2szint serves as an indicator of ventilation effectiveness and air quality.

In indoor spaces, typical outdoor levels are around 400 ppm; indoor levels of 600–1000 ppm are common in occupied spaces with moderate ventilation, while levels above 1000 ppm suggest insufficient air exchange. Sustained high levels can be associated with headaches, drowsiness, and reduced cognitive performance in some studies. Occupational and health guidelines set exposure limits (for example, around 5000 ppm as an 8-hour exposure), and many building standards aim to keep indoor CO2szint below about 800–1000 ppm to maintain comfort and air quality.