Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Standards

Indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) has long been discussed in the context of ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ), focusing on the impacts of CO₂ on building occupants, how CO₂ concentrations relate to perception of bioeffluents, the use of indoor CO₂ to estimate ventilation rates, and demand control ventilation. While measured indoor CO₂ concentrations are rarely close to health guidelines, much confusion has resulted regarding CO₂ in ventilation and IAQ standards. This presentation addresses the relevance of CO₂ concentrations to these standards based on their relation to indoor bioeffluent levels and odors and to ventilation rates per person.