Physiological Responses to Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels in Buildings

Comparative tests were conducted involving 22 persons sleeping in a normal and in an elevated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) environment to determine respiratory and urinary responses. Carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms with 2 occupants with the bedroom doors and windows closed can rise to 4,500 ppm during t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Indoor + built environment 1997-10, Vol.6 (5), p.301-308
Main Authors: Stricker, Saul, Bourgeau, Marc, Fonberg, Eric, Parent, Denis
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Comparative tests were conducted involving 22 persons sleeping in a normal and in an elevated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) environment to determine respiratory and urinary responses. Carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms with 2 occupants with the bedroom doors and windows closed can rise to 4,500 ppm during the night. The results indicate that the exposure levels encountered in these bedrooms do not affect the respiratory response, and that urine pH levels are independent of room CO(2) levels, and somewhat dependent on diet. Since the buffering mechanism by the kidneys involves the release of phosphate for buffering, exposure to moderately elevated CO(2) levels for several hours at a time may affect the excretion of phosphate and the metabolism of bone in the body. The literature indicates that persons exposed to 10,000 ppm over a period of several weeks experience a measurable bone loss. The threshold ambient level of CO(2) at which this effect begins to take place and degree are not known.
ISSN:1420-326X
1423-0070
DOI:10.1159/000463353