What is CO2?

Carbon dioxide is a gas that is emitted by the human body. It is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. There are several sources of CO2, but human metabolism is the main culprit. When a person breathes, their body produces carbon dioxide in addition to oxygen. This builds up the amount of CO2 in the air, especially if they are in a closed room. Other sources of CO2 include cooking and smoking. Although the surrounding air dilutes outdoor CO2 emissions, indoor CO2 levels can be dangerous.

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a gas that affects climate and ecosystems. It is one of the major pollutants in the atmosphere. There are several ways to measure carbon dioxide levels. Some use real-time methods, such as gas chromatography, which requires discrete samples. Other methods measure CO2 levels in the atmosphere using infrared techniques.

Carbon dioxide is a colourless, odourless gas found naturally in the atmosphere. It is created by burning fuels containing carbon and is emitted by plants and animals in the process of photosynthesis. It also produces carbonated drinks, fire extinguishers, and refrigeration.

Carbon dioxide is a cheap, fireproof, and noncombustible gas. Because it has such high pressure, carbon dioxide can be inflated to 59 atm (60 bar). Carbon dioxide is also a good fire extinguishing agent and can be used in industrial processes, such as food and chemical industries.

Sources

The primary sources of CO2 emissions are fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. These sources are widespread but are not all amenable to CO2 capture. Some sources, such as power plants and oil refineries, are minimal and globally distributed, while others have huge volumes and can be captured with the right technology.

There are two kinds of emissions: direct and indirect. Direct emissions come from burning fuel for power, and indirect emissions are from chemical reactions. Direct emissions are the most common type of CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels for energy. Direct emissions from petroleum combustion account for two-thirds of global CO2 emissions. Other sources of CO2 emissions include the production of metals, chemicals, and cement.

Other sources of carbon dioxide emissions are forest fires and other natural processes. For example, when trees burn, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, and deadfall also contributes to CO2 concentrations. As a result of global warming, the atmosphere’s carbon content is expected to increase in many areas. In addition, permafrost soils may thaw due to climate change, making them a potential source of CO2.

Effects

Although it is often misunderstood, carbon dioxide is a necessary gas for life on Earth. It is a natural gas that affects humans differently depending on its concentration. High levels can lead to headaches, fatigue, and lack of concentration. It also decreases the ability to think clearly and solve complex problems. People exposed to elevated CO2 levels also experience slower productivity and increased absences. Thankfully, it is not dangerous at lower concentrations.

The leading cause of indoor CO2 is the human body. It takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, increasing the level in a closed room. Other sources of CO2 include cooking, smoking, and fireplaces. Outdoor CO2 emissions are diluted by surrounding air, but indoor CO2 levels can increase dangerously in places where combustion is ordinary.

Tests

A CO2 test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. This gas occurs naturally in the body and can increase or decrease with different conditions, including certain infections or medicines. These tests may help identify underlying medical conditions. However, they cannot be used to diagnose most conditions. Therefore, you should have a blood test done whenever you feel that you may have problems with your body’s carbon dioxide levels.

CO2 is a gas that consists of two oxygen atoms bonded to one carbon atom. It is present in the air in 300 to 500 parts per million concentrations and is produced during many organic processes. It is also produced by animals and is used in some manufacturing processes. Some people also use it for indoor gardening.

Measurements

CO2 levels in the atmosphere are measured in parts per million (ppm) and as a percentage of air volume. While percentages are relatively easy to understand, ppm are more challenging to comprehend. I recommend conducting a thought experiment to help you understand the difference between the two.

The vertical profiles of CO2 concentration were obtained from 275 routine flights between October 2001 and March 2012. The measurements were taken from different altitudes, and the height of the PBL was selected for each measurement. The results showed that during the growing season (June-August), the CO2 concentration near the ground was lower than that in the PBL. However, this bias decreased with altitude, reaching a minimum of 80 m.

CO2 concentrations were higher near cities and towns due to human activities. However, the global CO2 concentrations are much higher than the concentrations near cities. This obvious consequence is further highlighted by the mass of data that show the seasonal variations in CO2 concentrations.