CITSCI_CO2KIT_INDOORAIR_ACTIVITYGUIDE_11_10.PDF
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ASSESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY Monitor CO2 levels to determine if ventilation is adequate. ASSESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY Monitor CO2 levels to determine if ventilation is adequate. Emily Maletz / SciStarter ASSESSING INDOOR AIR QUALITY Monitor CO2 levels to determine if ventilation is adequate. The air quality monitor included in this kit provides an indication of inadequate ventilation in indoor environments by monitoring CO2 levels. If there is a buildup of CO2, it may indicate that your indoor space is not getting enough fresh air, or is otherwise underventilated. Proper ventilation reduces indoor levels of allergens, pollutants, and viruses. Why should I be concerned about CO2 levels? Carbon dioxide monitoring is a useful tool to ensure adequate ventilation and to investigate health issues connected to poor indoor air quality. This citizen science project helps you take immediate action in your own spaces while also promoting cleaner indoor air for all. KIT DETAILS Kit components may vary based on your library’s selections. This kit contains the following materials: Aranet4 CO2 monitor Protective travel case Data Field Book – Record your data to share with the research team and other kit users. Frequently Asked Questions sheet Take Action sheet – A list of things you can do to improve your indoor air. Optional Books: How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office The Field Guide to Citizen Science: How You Can Contribute to Scientific Research and Make a Difference KEY TERMS Carbon dioxide or CO2: a colorless gas that animals, including humans, breathe out and plants breathe in. ppm or parts per million: a unit of measure meaning “out of a million.” For example, if the sensor measures 600 ppm, it means for every million molecules in the air, 600 of them are CO2 molecules. Pathogens: bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can make you sick. Ventilation: the process of moving air into, out of, or within a room. Ventilation systems increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants. The lower the concentration of viral particles, the less likely they are to be inhaled into the lungs. Emily Maletz / SciStarter It is important to remember that CO2 levels are a guide to understanding overall ventilation in an indoor space. CO2 monitoring is not an absolute measure of safe or unsafe air quality. A high CO2 concentration does not necessarily indicate that a virus or other health risk is present, and a low CO2 concentration does not necessarily mean a location is safe from health risks. CO2 monitoring also does not measure whether COVID-19, other microorganisms, or hazards—such as asbestos or carbon monoxide—are present in the air. LOOKING FOR MORE? Find more projects on your SciStarter Dashboard: SciStarter.org/dashboard PREPARE STEP 1: Visit SciStarter.org/library and choose this kit to view a how-to video and additional instructions. Create or log in to your SciStarter account to track your digital data contributions to the project. STEP 2: Check your Aranet4 unit. The battery indicator level is shown on the front of the unit right below the large number display. Replace batteries with two fresh AA batteries if the indicator is low. Note: Removing the batteries from the device will delete any data history from the device memory. There is no need to calibrate or alter the configuration switches on the device. Typical readings outside in the open air should be between 420 and 450 ppm. If you notice outdoor readings beyond this range, please note them in your data field journal. STEP 3: Download and install the Aranet4 app onto your smartphone. The Aranet4 app is available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. STEP 4: Pair the device with your smartphone: Launch the app Allow the app to use Bluetooth (and make sure your smartphone Bluetooth is on) Press the “+ PAIR NEW DEVICE” button Select the Aranet4 device from the list by pressing “+ PAIR” Accept the pairing procedure Enter the six-digit code that appears on the Aranet4 device Once your device and smartphone are paired, you can go into the Aranet4 app to view the readings on the sensor remotely. To view the data history collected, as well as the lowest and highest readings of the past 24 hours, click on the graph icon (located between the battery indicator and the Settings gear icon). From the data screen, you can also send the data file to yourself via messaging or email. Just click on the Share icon in the top right corner. PLAN STEP 5: Plan where and when you will take readings using the sensor. If you plan to take readings at home or in your office, place the unit at a height of 3–6 feet above the ground and 6 or more feet away from windows, air vents, and sources of CO2 such as people, heaters, or open flames. You will see that ppm readings will rise as more people enter the room, and fall when people exit the area. You can also use the device on the go! Take it with you to observe CO2 levels at a restaurant, theater, gym, classroom, or other places where there might be gatherings of people. Remember to take along your Data Field Book to record readings. PARTICIPATE STEP 6: Take a few readings over the course of 10–15 minutes. Even in well-ventilated buildings CO2 levels vary throughout the day depending on building occupancy, activities, and outside conditions. Carbon dioxide levels that are consistently greater than 1,000 ppm indicate potential ventilation problems and high levels of shared/rebreathed air. Users should consider CO2 levels that regularly exceed 1,400 ppm as an indication that the ventilation system requires investigation. Sustained exposure to such high CO2 levels may lead to negative health outcomes. Keep in Mind! The Aranet4 monitor is not impact resistant— please handle with care! Do not leave the monitor in direct sunlight. Do not use the monitor in environments with high humidity (above 85%). LOOKING FOR MORE? Find more projects on your SciStarter Dashboard: SciStarter.org/dashboard STEP 7: Interested in sharing your CO2 observations and seeing data submitted by others? There are two ways to share your data. Record entries in the Data Field Book included in this kit or submit data online at the Raven Clean Air Map. Please note data collected as part of using this kit may be used for research. Please review the consent form included in the kit before completing the remaining kit activities. Record your data in the Data Field Book included in this kit and see what other citizen scientists have submitted in your area! Refer to the field book for details on what information to collect, including time, date, type of location, and CO2 level. Be sure to include any interesting observations, stories, or experiences you have using this CO2 kit! Recording 1–3 pages of data is ideal for this project. Submit your data online Join the growing number of citizen scientists sharing data online using the Raven Clean Air Map. Visit SciStarter.org/library and choose this kit to view up-to-date instructions on how to contribute. NOW WHAT? If the Aranet4 monitor indicates a level of CO2 above 1,000 ppm, you should consider: • Reducing the number of people in the room, if possible, and providing better ventilation by opening windows or doors, directing fans, etc. • Consider wearing a mask if in an area such as a theater where you have little control over the physical space. Although a mask will not help with lowering the amount of CO2 in the air, it will help protect you from viruses and allergens that linger in poorly ventilated areas. TAKE ACTION! For more specific ideas on what to do when experiencing elevated measurements of CO2, refer to the Take Action sheet accompanying this kit! Helpful hint: CO2 monitors provide a real-time measurement of CO2 concentrations, which can fluctuate significantly every few seconds as air moves around. Letting the monitor sit for 2–5 minutes before recording is ideal for providing useful information. We recommend taking three readings over the course of 10–15 minutes. LOOKING FOR MORE? Find more projects on your SciStarter Dashboard: SciStarter.org/dashboard KIT MATERIALS November 2022