You may want to look into whether you are getting proper circulation.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO CARBON DIOXIDE?
CO2 can build up in buildings that house a lot of people or animals, and is a symptom of problems with fresh air circulation in the building or home. Where CO2 levels in soils are high, the gas can seep into basements through stone walls or cracks in floors and foundations. High levels of CO2 can displace oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2), potentially causing health problems.
WHAT CONDITIONS LEAD TO HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS INDOORS?
The amount of carbon dioxide in a building is usually related to how much fresh air is being brought into that building. In general, the higher the CO2 level in the building, the lower the amount of fresh air exchange. Therefore, examining levels of CO2 in indoor air can reveal if the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating within guidelines. CO2 levels are usually measured in percent (%) of air or parts per million (ppm). High CO2 levels, generally over 1000 ppm, indicate a potential problem with air circulation and fresh air in a room or building. In general, high CO2 levels indicate the need to examine the HVAC system. High carbon dioxide levels can cause poor air quality and can even extinguish pilot lights on gas-powered appliances.
WILL EXPOSURE TO CARBON DIOXIDE RESULT IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?
Exposure to CO2 can produce a variety of health effects. These may include headaches, dizziness, restlessness, a tingling or pins or needles feeling, difficulty breathing, sweating, tiredness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia to convulsions and even frostbite if exposed to dry ice.
The levels of CO2 in the air and potential health problems are:
- >250 - 350 ppm – background (normal) outdoor air level
- >350- 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 – Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation resulting in permanent brain damage, coma and even death.
HOW TO AVOID EXPSOURE
- Have an HVAC or weatherization contractor measure CO2 levels within your home. If the levels exceed 1,000 ppm, the furnace should be tuned to increase levels of fresh air coming into the building. If levels are above 2,000 ppm, this can be a serious condition that could warrant HVAC modification.
- Never use a fire extinguisher or dry ice in a manner by which it was not intended.
- Never enter a liquid manure pit without protective equipment since CO2, along with ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide generated from decomposing manure can quickly cause loss of consciousness and death.
- Use care when entering silos since CO2 can build up from the decomposing grain.
CDC WEBSITES ON CARBON DIOXIDE
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/iaq.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/76-194a.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/76-194b.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001701-d001800/d001708/d001708.html
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001701-d001800/d001741/d001741.html