Precise Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality

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Product Stories23 Jan 2025
The air we breathe indoors significantly impacts our health, comfort, and energy efficiency. Axetris’ advanced infrared technology revolutionizes air quality monitoring, ensuring cleaner spaces and smarter building management.

We often think of our homes and offices as safe havens, yet indoor air can be laden with pollutants that harm our health and well-being. From gases released by furniture and building materials to mold spores, fungi, and viruses, the air indoors can be a cocktail of harmful substances. These issues have gained attention since the 1970s under the term “sick building syndrome.” Alongside poor lighting, noise pollution, and psychological stress, contaminated air is a major contributor to this condition.

The Role of VOCs in Air Pollution

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a primary source of indoor air pollution, posing significant health risks. VOCs such as benzene, formaldehyde, and naphthalene are emitted by everyday items like furniture and construction materials. These compounds not only harm health directly but also react with ground-level ozone to create secondary pollutants.

Environmental guidelines now regulate VOC concentrations in indoor spaces, making continuous and reliable monitoring essential. Non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR) is particularly effective for VOC detection due to the strong absorption of VOCs in the infrared spectrum.

CO₂: A Reliable Indicator for Air Quality

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is not just a natural component of our atmosphere; it’s also a key indicator of indoor air quality. While outdoor CO₂ levels hover around 400 ppm, concentrations indoors can rise rapidly, particularly in crowded spaces. Each human breath releases approximately 40,000 ppm of CO₂, which accumulates alongside other pollutants.

Air quality is considered hygienically safe up to 1000 ppm of CO₂. Beyond this level, air exchange or purification becomes necessary. NDIR technology is ideal for monitoring CO₂ levels, as CO₂ strongly absorbs infrared light at a wavelength of 4.26 µm. 

Smart Ventilation for Energy Efficiency

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have long relied on gas sensors for performance optimization. Modern Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) systems, powered by CO₂ sensors, enable buildings to adjust ventilation based on real-time occupancy data.

This not only improves air quality but also enhances energy efficiency by preventing unnecessary heating or cooling. Optical spectroscopy-based CO₂ sensors provide the stability, longevity, and low operating costs required for such applications.

Pioneering Precision in Air Quality Monitoring 

Axetris’ state-of-the-art infrared sources are at the forefront of air quality monitoring. With their exceptional emissivity at CO₂’s absorption wavelength, these components deliver:

  • Accurate Detection: Reliable measurement of VOCs and CO₂.
  • Energy Efficiency: Supporting smart HVAC systems that save energy.
  • Longevity: Low-maintenance solutions with extended service life.

From homes and offices to public spaces, indoor air quality impacts us all. Axetris empowers building managers and homeowners with the tools to monitor and improve air quality, ensuring healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environments.