Carbon Dioxide Monitors
Ventilation and carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements are two of many precautions that can be taken to protect yourself and your community from airborne infections. Comparing indoor CO2 readings to the baseline outdoors can give us an idea of how well a space is ventilated with fresh air from outdoors. Learn how to use the monitor
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Please note: These devices are not carbon monoxide detectors and are not life safety devices. For more information on carbon monoxide alarms, please see the Peterborough Fire Services website.
Each Kit Includes:
- 1 C02 monitor
- 1 quick start guide
- a fact sheet prepared by Peterborough Public Health that explains how the carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors work, what the readings mean, and how to improve indoor ventilation or air filtration if CO2 levels are high.
Loan Periods & Limits
| Item | Loan Period | Renewals | Holds | Loans / Card | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C02 Monitor | 7 days | No | Yes | 1 | $355 |
What do I do if the CO2 is high?
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Know your risks and make a list of other mitigation factors in place. For example, if everyone is wearing masks, vaccinated, or feeling well, we might be more tolerant of a slightly higher reading.
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Look for simple solutions to bring more fresh air into the space. Try opening doors/windows and using fans to promote flow.
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Check your HVAC settings to ensure the system doesn’t turn off when it reaches the temperature set point. You may need to switch the fan from “auto” to “on.”
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Check for other sources of CO2 in your building, vehicle or other closed space. In addition to breathing, combustion (e.g. a gas stove) can introduce CO2 into a space.
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Sometimes, a professional engineer or HVAC technician may be able to come to help troubleshoot problems that are not easy to fix.
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In cases when it is not possible or practical to further reduce the CO2, you may choose to add additional precautions while in the space (e.g. reducing time spent in the space, wearing masks, or adding a properly sized High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or a homemade Corsi-Rosenthal box).
If you want more information on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Health Canada has a comprehensive website on Air quality and health.
Toronto Public Health has gathered some information and tips on ventilation, which you may find helpful.
The CO2 monitoring devices were provided to the Peterborough Public Library in partnership with Peterborough Public Health by Prescientx and CO2 Check.
Contact Us
Main Library
345 Aylmer St. N
Peterborough, ON K9H 3V7