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Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Learn all about carbon dioxide (CO₂) and find the right products for a carbon dioxide gas detection system.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and its properties

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colourless and odourless gas that occurs naturally in the air. It is released through processes such as the respiration of organisms, the burning of fossil fuels and various industrial activities. As an essential component of the carbon cycle, CO₂ is an important factor; it contributes to global warming because it acts as a greenhouse gas. CO₂ is harmless in low concentrations, but high concentrations can cause health risks.

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limit values

Information on carbon dioxide limits

SUVA limit values

MAK value: 5000 ppm (9000 mg/m³)

EU workplace exposure limits (BOELV)

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Unnoticed: Carbon dioxide is a colourless gas that cannot be seen.
Odourless: It has no odour, which is why it cannot be detected without special detectors.
Density: Approximately 1.98 kg/m³, it is heavier than air.
Solubility: Soluble in water, producing carbon dioxide
Toxicity: High concentrations (above 5%) can cause suffocation because CO₂ reduces the oxygen content in the air.
Greenhouse gas: CO₂ contributes to global warming because it traps heat in the atmosphere.

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Questions about carbon dioxide detection?

DANGERS

Risk of suffocation: An increase in CO₂ levels can reduce the oxygen content in the air and thus cause breathing difficulties or suffocation.
Inadequate ventilation: CO₂ can accumulate unnoticed in rooms with poor ventilation or in closed environments.
Release during industrial processes: CO₂ is released unintentionally in certain industrial applications (e.g. during the production of dry ice or through combustion processes).
Dry ice: In rooms with inadequate ventilation, the CO₂ concentration can quickly become dangerous when dry ice (solid CO₂) evaporates there.
Elevated CO₂ levels in confined spaces: In confined spaces, such as underwater (when diving) or in narrow storage rooms, CO₂ can accumulate if there is insufficient ventilation.
Gas leaks: Leaks in facilities that use CO₂ can cause dangerously high concentrations.

HIGH-RISK SCENARIOS

Increase in CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere: Since industrialisation, the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere has risen, intensifying the greenhouse effect and thus contributing to global warming; as a result, global temperatures are rising.
Increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration: Since industrialisation, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations have risen, intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming; as a result, global temperatures are rising.
The increase in extreme weather events: Extreme weather conditions, such as the heat waves in Europe in the summer of 2022 or the devastating floods in western Germany in 2021, have become more frequent in recent years. An increase in CO₂ emissions exacerbates these events.
Oceans are becoming increasingly acidic due to CO₂ absorption: worldwide, this is posing a growing threat to coral reefs because CO₂ emissions are making the oceans more acidic. In Caribbean waters, falling pH levels are making it difficult for marine organisms such as mussels, crabs and corals to form shells and structures.
Uncontrolled CO₂ accumulation: At a Russian power plant, a defect led to dangerously high CO₂ levels forming in a basement room, resulting in an emergency evacuation and injuries. Extreme weather conditions, such as the heat waves in Europe in the summer of 2022 or the devastating floods in western Germany in 2021, have become more frequent in recent years. An increase in CO₂ emissions exacerbates these events.
Oceans are becoming increasingly acidic due to CO₂ absorption: worldwide, this is posing a growing threat to coral reefs because CO₂ emissions are making the oceans more acidic. In Caribbean waters, falling pH levels are making it difficult for marine organisms such as mussels, crabs and corals to form shells and structures.
Uncontrolled CO₂ accumulation: At a Russian power plant, a defect led to dangerously high CO₂ levels forming in a basement room, resulting in an emergency evacuation and injuries.

Health risks and handling of carbon dioxide

Konzentration

Konzentration	Symptome/folgen
400–420 ppm	Normal values outdoors
10.000 ppm	health hazard
40.000 ppm	mortal danger

Konzentrationstabelle nur im Querformat sichtbar.

Erste Hilfe

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate first aid. Here’s what to do in the event of CO₂ poisoning

1. Immediate ventilation and evacuation of the danger zone:

Immediately remove affected persons from the area with high CO₂ concentration and bring them into the fresh air. Ventilate the room well by opening the windows or activating ventilation.

2. Checking the state of consciousness

Carefully lay the person on their back, secure their airways and check their breathing. If necessary, start immediate resuscitation measures (such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
If the person is not breathing, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until professional help arrives.

3. Rapid medical assistance

Call the emergency services immediately to get professional help.
Explain the situation to the emergency services (e.g. CO₂ poisoning, location, condition of the person).

4. Calming and monitoring

4. Calmness If the person is conscious, they should remain calm and not exert themselves so as not to increase their oxygen demand. Monitoring
Watch for signs of deterioration such as shortness of breath, confusion or even loss of consciousness.

Important note:

Never enter an area that you suspect contains CO2 without adequate respiratory protection or safety precautions.

Bei Unbeabsichtigter Freisetzung

In the event of an accidental release of carbon dioxide (CO₂), especially if large quantities are involved, immediate and targeted measures are required to minimise the risk to people. The following steps should be taken:

1. Evacuation without delay

People who are near the source of CO₂ should quickly and safely move to an area with fresh air.

2. Fresh air supply for the affected rooms

Open a window or switch on the mechanical ventilation to reduce the CO₂ concentration.

3. Communication and warning

Signal the danger by sounding an alarm to warn everyone nearby.
Contact the emergency services immediately and describe the extent of the CO₂ release.

4. Prevent access to affected areas

Ensure that no one enters the affected area without appropriate protection (such as respiratory masks).

5. Control and diagnosis

Use measuring devices to check whether the CO₂ concentration has been reduced and there is no longer any danger.
Monitor air quality to ensure that CO₂ concentrations have been reduced to safe levels.

6. Protocols for safety and aftercare

Root cause analysis: Identify the source of the CO₂ emissions and ensure that no further leaks occur.

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Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and its properties

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