We know that the humble Carbon Dioxide monitor is not the most exciting or sexiest thing in the world, but we take pride in our gas monitoring solutions here at Analox and are happiest when people are kept safe from potentially fatal gas leaks.

With this in mind, we present a list of fun facts about Carbon dioxide which we hope will intrigue you!

1: Carbon dioxide is known differently depending on where in the world you are

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For example, it is known as ‘koldioxid’ in Sweden, ‘二氧化碳’ in Chinese and ‘süsinikdioksiid’ in Estonian.

In Dutch it is known simply as… carbon dioxide.

2: Carbon dioxide exists naturally in the atmosphere

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Carbon dioxide is present in the air we breathe everyday, although concentrations are so miniscule (around 0.04%), monitoring is not needed everywhere. However, it is imperative to measure levels of carbon dioxide in an industrial environment, especially in confined spaces as levels can quickly increase, without the correct ventilation

On that note, did you know….?

3: Carbon dioxide levels rise in crowded rooms

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We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, which means that carbon dioxide levels in a room can rise over the course of the day. When we’ve attended exhibitions in the past, we’ve monitored levels of carbon dioxide for this very reason!

Although the rise in carbon dioxide will not put you in danger, it could make you feel more tired and lethargic. The best thing to do is to keep the room ventilated with plenty of fresh air.

https://www.analoxsensortechnology.com/blog/2016/06/21/carbon-dioxide-levels-rise-crowded-rooms/

4: Carbon dioxide has no taste, colour or smell

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Carbon dioxide cannot be seen, tasted and has no odour, which makes it hard to know when levels of it increase. This is why monitoring it is so important.

5: Carbon dioxide can be used to increase growth of flowers, fruit and vegetables

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Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to generate food in a process called photosynthesis. Greenhouse owners often increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in order to promote growth, although this is a balancing act as if carbon dioxide levels are too high, it can damage the crops.

We’ve developed carbon dioxide monitors which can automatically shut down the carbon dioxide supply to the greenhouse, if levels rise beyond an acceptable standard.

6: Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are two very different things

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We’ve noticed some people get carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide confused; if you do a search for ‘carbon dioxide monitor’ a lot of the top results are for carbon monoxide, which is worrying.

Although both of these gases have no taste or smell, carbon dioxide occurs naturally in the atmosphere, whilst carbon monoxide does not. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and gathers nearer the ground, whilst carbon monoxide is lighter than air and gathers higher up.

https://www.analoxsensortechnology.com/blog/2016/03/17/carbon-monoxide-v-carbon-dioxide-do-you-know-the-difference/

7: Dry ice is made of carbon dioxide

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Dry ice, which is used in refrigeration, special effects and cleaning, is made of solid carbon dioxide. This means it must be treated in the same way as carbon dioxide gas and not used in confined spaces.

8: Carbon dioxide is used to dispense beer

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If you go to a pub or a bar, chances are that they do have a carbon dioxide monitor in the back of the facility or in their cellar (or they should have). This is because carbon dioxide (or ‘dispense gas’ as it is commonly known in the beverage industry) is used to add the bubbles to beer as well as push it from the keg to your glass.

https://www.analoxsensortechnology.com/blog/2016/02/09/dispense-gas-safe-use/

9: Carbon dioxide can be used to keep home furnishings clean

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Did you know an American University has conducted research where carbon dioxide vapour is used to freeze home furnishings? This process removes allergy-causing substances and kills dust mites, reducing asthma symptoms.

https://www.analoxsensortechnology.com/blog/2016/12/06/carbon-dioxide-reduce-risk-asthma-attack/

10: Carbon dioxide can be used to put out fires

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Carbon dioxide is used in some fire extinguishers. It works by removing the oxygen that the fire needs to burn, plus it is cheap and widely available.

However, it can be dangerous if used in an enclosed space as not only can it take oxygen away from the fire, it can take oxygen away from the atmosphere and you too.

We hope that you learned something new today! If you want to know more about our range of carbon dioxide monitors (and who wouldn’t after this blog post!?), contact our friendly sales team today and we’ll be happy to help.

Author: Kate Ingham, Digital Marketing Executive

Founded in 1981, Analox Sensor Technology provides niche and custom gas detection solutions to industries including beverage and fast food, commercial diving and laboratories. Analox has over 325 years of collective, specialist electronics and software engineering expertise, as well as a worldwide distributor network. Contact us to see how we can provide expert gas monitoring solutions and help you achieve your goals.

The post Ten interesting facts about carbon dioxide and the humble carbon dioxide monitor appeared first on The Analox Blog.