The second phase of reopening, which began on June 9, has raised many questions in France. Indeed, the scientific community has revealed that the COVID-19 virus, which led to multiple lockdowns, is transmitted via aerosols. Poorly ventilated enclosed spaces are therefore a vector for the spread of the virus. With public venues reopening at half capacity, the issue of proper ventilation in these spaces remains problematic. The use of CO2 sensors has thus become an obvious solution for the government. Here is a summary of the situation since this public health decision was made.

The Importance of CO2 Sensors in the Fight Against COVID-19

These carbon dioxide detectors are valuable tools in the fight against this pandemic. The human body releases tiny droplets invisible to the naked eye, known as aerosols. You don’t have to sneeze to release them into the air. Once produced, these particles remain suspended in the air for several minutes.

Measuring the carbon dioxide level in a space is therefore necessary to determine the viral load. By taking into account the CO₂ level in a confined space, it is possible to assess the quality of the air breathed by the occupants. Consequently, the potential risk of airborne transmission of the virus must be considered.

The role of a CO2 sensor is to indicate when it is time to ventilate a poorly ventilated enclosed space. At Enless, our sensors are capable of measuring various data points, such as a room’s temperature and humidity, as well as CO2 and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are the primary indicators of the air quality breathed by occupants.

The High Council for Public Health has provided further details and issued guidelines for a safe reopening. It states that “Public health authorities have set a threshold of 800 ppm for CO2 concentration in a room.” Above this threshold, measures such as ventilating the room or evacuating it must be taken.

For all these reasons, monitoring indoor air quality in enclosed public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic has become essential. Indoor air quality monitoring applies to all establishments open to the public. 

In fact, schools, museums, libraries, performance venues, and sports complexes are subject to these air quality monitoring requirements. Healthcare facilities open to the public are also included. These include retirement homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Schools: Experimental Laboratories for Testing the Effectiveness of CO2 Sensors?

Since the introduction of health protocols, demand for CO2 sensors has continued to grow. A significant portion of this demand comes from schools. In this regard, the recommendation issued by the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) in May 2021 serves as a call to action. It states that “CO2 measurement campaigns must be conducted in variousPublic Access Building to identify high-risk areas such as certain classrooms, hallways, and restrooms.”

As a result, no fewer than 500 sensors have been installed in schools across Paris. They are used to monitor indoor areas in schools, such as classrooms and workspaces. The Île-de-France region is not the only one in France where CO2 sensors have become a hot topic of discussion. More and more schools in France are installing CO2 sensors.