Carbon Dioxide
What is carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide is exhaled when mammals breath. It is also produced when fossil fuels and wood are burned - making it a major contributor to climate change. In some place, soils can contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide from decaying plants or chemical changes in the bedrock.
Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers, in laboratories, and as dry ice.
How can I be exposed to carbon dioxide?
The main way people are exposed to carbon dioxide is through air.
People can be exposed to carbon dioxide when handling dry ice and working in confined spaces. In areas where carbon dioxide levels in soil are high, people can be exposed through seepage into buildings from cracks in floors and foundations (in a similar manner to vapor intrusion). Carbon dioxide can also collect in buildings that have a lot of people or animals and lack proper ventilation.
How can carbon dioxide affect my health?
Exposure to carbon dioxide 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, and convulsions.
How can I protect myself from carbon dioxide?
Have an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) or weatherization contractor measure carbon dioxide levels in your home.
If the carbon dioxide level is between 1000 and 2000 parts per million (ppm), the air flow on the furnace should be tuned to increase levels of fresh air coming into the building.
If carbon dioxide level is over 2000 ppm, this can be a serious condition that could warrant HVAC modification.
Only use fire extinguisher for putting out fires.
Use proper protective equipment when handling dry ice and make to have adequate ventilation.
Use proper protective equipment when entering manure pits and grain silos.
Who regulates carbon dioxide in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates how much carbon dioxide can be released into the air.
Related topics
The National Energy Technology Center's carbon dioxide page has additional information on what carbon dioxide is, the carbon cycle, and greenhouse gases.
The Environmental Protection Agency's climate change page has information the greenhouse gas effect and its role in climate change.