The measurement of air quality in indoor rooms (eg. offices) is often done to check for certain gases which cause tiredness, poor concentration levels and even diseases. These include CO2, CO, O2, O3.
The most important gases to measure in an indoor environment include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and ozone.
Technical and Scientific Equipment (TSE) has a range of gas concentration sensors available, manufactured by German company Ahlborn. These sensors check for unusual concentrations of the above gases as well as other toxic gases.
When carbon dioxide concentration is too high the air is stale and stagnant, and usually signals insufficient ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous to humans in that it is highly toxic and yet invisible and odourless. It can be fatal in high concentrations and give headaches in mild concentrations.
Ozone is contained in the earth’s atmosphere, providing a shield against UV radiation, yet it is toxic to humans. It can cause major burns in human mucous membranes when breathed in high concentrations. Therefore, control measurements for the ozone content in air must be performed in many areas, eg. leakage tests in industry, protection of health and safety standards at work, mobile-based air quality measurements or for providing environmental data on advertising displays, etc.
Oxygen is the most important gas required for humans to live and perform. Low concentrations of oxygen can give rise to breathing problems, or lead to reduced concentration.
Other gases that can be measured by instruments available at Technical and Scientific Equipment include NH3, NO2, NO, Cl, SO2, H2S and C2H4O. Further information on gas measurement can be sought by contacting TSE directly.