Research Article

Towards Healthy Levels of Carbon Dioxide in Schools of the National Oil Company of Abu Dhabi

Table 1

Description of indoor air quality on the basis of CO2 concentrations.

Indoor CO2Description of indoor air quality

350–400 ppmNormal background concentration in outdoor ambient air
400–1,000 ppmConcentrations typical of occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange
1,000–2,000 ppmComplaints of drowsiness and poor air
2,000–5,000 ppmHeadaches, sleepiness, and stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate, and slight nausea may also be present
5,000 ppmWorkplace exposure limit (as 8-hour TWA) in most jurisdictions
>40,000Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation, resulting in permanent brain damage, coma, even death