Carbon Dioxide is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas that is only dangerous in large doses. Whereas carbon monoxide requires further measures as it can be dangerous in small doses - particularly in confined spaces.
CO2 detectors are more of a requirement for modern homes as they're better insulated - which is good news for efficiency but not for ventilation. However, this doesn't exclude more traditional homes if they've had particular work carried out on them to reduce ventilation.
Workplaces are also subject to this, particularly offices where a number of people work together in an enclosed space.
Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Lack of concentration
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Muscle twitches
- Rapid breathing
Many people get confused with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors, but it's really easy to tell the difference.
CO2 alarms - Measures air quality in a room (naturally occurring) with a red, amber, green traffic light warning system. The more less ventilated a home is, the higher the risk of Carbon Dioxide. You will be able to tell this if you are suffering from the symptoms listed above or if the red light on the detector lights up indicating very poor ventilation which action will be required.
CO alarms - Measures particles given off by fossil burning fuels (Toxic product of combustion) such as a wood burning heater, open fireplaces etc.
Places at risk of poor ventilation:
