For years, I have worried about the CO levels in our kids' bedroom. Until recently, our two sons shared a small bedroom in our apartment. Every night, they insisted on shutting the door to block out light and noise. Yet, once they fell asleep, I'd quietly open the door to make sure they had enough fresh air to fuel their dreams.
As we breathe, our bodies naturally expel CO (carbon dioxide). When CO reacts with water within our body it becomes carbonate, which can subtly shift our body's internal balance. That is why high CO levels, like in sealed bedrooms, can be harmful.
Outdoor CO levels average around 400 ppm (parts per million), but indoor levels are considered healthy up to 800 ppm. Between 800 and 1200 ppm, minor discomfort may begin, and levels above 2,000 ppm indicate poor air quality, posing health risks.
A pivotal study by Harvard University found that for every 500 ppm increase in CO, cognitive response times slow by 1.4-1.8%, and productivity decreases by 2.1-2.4%. Furthermore, another study links high CO levels to reduced sleep quality. These findings highlight the effects of indoor CO levels on both our physical health, mental performance and sleep quality.
After developing my own thermometer, I grew interested in CO monitoring. Although there are many commercial CO detectors available, I opted to build my own. Click the 'Read More' button below to learn how I created a CO2 monitoring system for our bedroom and uncovered some surprising insights about air quality.
