What does PPM stand for?
PPM stands for parts per million which is used to measure the concentration of gases in air.
What level of carbon dioxide (CO2) is safe?
250 – 400 ppm: background (normal) outdoor air level.
400 – 1,000 ppm: typical level found in occupied spaces with good air exchange.
1,000 – 2,000 ppm: level associated with complaints of drowsiness and poor air.
2,000 – 5,000 ppm: level associated with headaches, sleepiness, and stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea may also be present.
5,000 ppm: this indicates unusual air conditions where high levels of other gases could also be present. Toxicity or oxygen deprivation could occur.
What is particulate matter (PM)?
PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
PM10: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and
PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
How small is 2.5 micrometers? Think about a single hair from your head. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.
What level of particulate matter (PM) is safe?
WHO Air quality guideline values state the following guideline values for PM:
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
10 μg/m3 annual mean
25 μg/m3 24-hour mean
Coarse particulate matter (PM10)
20 μg/m3 annual mean
50 μg/m3 24-hour mean
What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
What level of VOCs are safe?
VOCs are generally studied independently, so it is possible that adverse effects could be felt below the values given below due to a combination of VOCs being present.
Ethanol
Ethanol is most commonly found in cleaning products, such as glass cleaners, dishwasher detergents, and laundry detergents.
TLV: 1,000 ppm
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is found in a number of moulded plastics as well as plastic finishes such as on wooden products.
TLV: between 0.1 and 0.3 ppm
Acetone
Acetone is prevalent in polish and in most homes can be found in furniture polish, wallpaper and nail polish.
TLV: between 750 and 1,000 ppm
Benzene
Benzene can be found in any furniture made with paint or glue.
TLV: 0.1 ppm (8).
Dichlorobenzene
Often found in mothballs and deodorant.
TLV: between 25 and 50 ppm
What should I do if the CO2 level is higher than recommended?
CO2 levels tend to build up in enclosed environments. Opening windows or even internal doors can help quickly reduce CO2 levels.
Do I need both a SENSEMini and a BioFilter?
Both the SENSEMini and BioFilter are standalone products but using both allows you to better understand your environment while improving it. The SENSEMini allows you to monitor the current CO2 level, while the BioFilter helps reduce the CO2 level.
How does the BioFilter work?
The BioFilter uses a carefully selected plant and liquid combination to maximise the absorption of CO2 and VOCs inside a room. The plant absorbs CO2 from the air as a natural process, and VOCs are trapped in the waxy layer on the leaf’s surface. Air is also bubbled through a tower of liquid that absorbs and removes VOCs from the air, leaving you with high quality air to breathe.
What chemicals does the BioFilter absorb?
The BioFilter absorbs CO2 as well as VOCs such as Acetone, Acetic Acid, Toluene, m- & p-Xylenes, n-Undecane, n-Dodecane, Nonanal, n-Decane, o-Xylene, d-Limonene, Benzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Hexanal, Ethanol, Ethanal, Isoprene, Methanol, Isopropanol, Ethylbenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, Tetrachloroethene, Phenol, Ethyl acetate, 2-Butanone, Styrene, TXIB, 4-Ethyltoluene, 2-Butoxyethanol, 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol, Nonane, Octane, Butyl acetate, n-Hexane, Pentanal, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, a-Pinene, Texanol 1&3, 4-Methyl-2-pentanone, Naphthalene, 1-Butanol, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 3-Methyl pentane, Trichloroethene, Methylene chloride, Trichlorofluoromethane, t-Butyl methyl ether, Trichloro-trifluoroethane, Chloroform, Carbon tetrachloride, 4-Phenylcyclohexene, Carbon disulfide, Chlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene and additional chemicals comprised of H,C and O.
Where should I put the BioFilter?
The BioFilter can be positioned anywhere there is space for it. The fan will ensure air is consistently circulated through the device to keep your air fresh and clear of high levels of CO2, PM and VOCs.
How big is the BioFilter?
The BioFilter is around 1 meter tall .
Where should I put the AirSENSE?
The AirSENSE is best positioned close to you so that the CO2 level measured is similar to what you are actually breathing in. This is especially important when you are in a fixed position, such as your desk at work, because CO2 you breathe out can form a bubble around you, increasing the CO2 level of the air you breathe in.
Can the AirSENSE be used outdoors?
Yes! The AirSENSE has been designed to have a rugged exterior for use in industrial environments so we encourage you to carry it with you throughout the day and use it outside to monitor CO2 levels.
Does the AirSENSE require calibration?
No, the AirSENSE is calibrated before we send it to you so that you can start using it straight away.
What phones is the AirSENSE app compatible with?
The AirSENSE app can be used with both iOS and Android devices.
Does the AirSENSE app log data or show only the current level?
The AirSENSE app continuously logs data so that you can see the variation in levels throughout the day. We recommend you compare this with your movements throughout the day so that you can see which areas have CO2 levels that may be a problem.
Does the BioFilter need to be cleaned?
The liquid in the BioFilter should be replaced every 6 months to ensure it remains effective at removing harmful PM and VOCs from the air.
How long do the batteries in the AirSENSE last?
A single charge should last about 1 day. The AirSENSE is rechargeable via a micro USB cable .
What pollutants does the AirSENSE detect?
The standard AirSENSE measures the CO2 level in the air, but we also offer a customised version that can be set up to detect any gases or pollutants required. This is particularly useful for industrial environments. If you have a specific use case in mind, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we well help find you the optimal solution.