CO2 Toxicity Levels
The level of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) that is toxic to humans is highly dependent on the duration of exposure and the concentration of the gas. The short-term exposure limit (STEL) for CO2 is currently set at 30,000 ppm by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). This level should not be exceeded for more than 15 minutes in a given 8-hour period.
Long-Term Exposure to CO2
Long-term exposure to lower concentrations of CO2 may also have negative health effects. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prolonged exposure to levels of 5000 ppm or higher can cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Additionally, levels of 10,000 ppm or higher can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Exposure to High Concentrations of CO2
Exposure to extremely high concentrations of CO2 can be fatal. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), concentrations of 40,000 ppm or more can cause asphyxiation within minutes. It is important to note that concentrations of CO2 above 30,000 ppm are generally only found in occupational settings such as research laboratories, greenhouses, and commercial CO2 storage tanks.