Thread by @twpiggott

Ventilation is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but how can you tell how good your home's🏡air is?
@Ptbohealth has teamed up with @ptbolibrary & partners to launch the first CO2 Monitor lending program! #COVID19 #ventilationmatters #freshair
peterborough.ca/en/news/peterb…

This is an exciting partnership & thanks 🙏 for the support @masks4canada @ncceh @deejcane @LadyScorcher @kdnyhan @Prescientx1 @co2check1 @comilla_s.
We hope other libraries will follow!

So, why monitor CO2 & what can be done if levels in your home are high?
Check out our @Ptbohealth info sheet & webpage:
peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/ho…

When we exhale 🌬️, we add CO2 to the air. In fact, each breath from an average adult contains 35,000 parts per million (ppm) of CO2. More people in a room & poorer ventilation = higher CO2. Poor ventilation can cause a # of health effects, incl⬆️risk of COVID-19 transmission.

What else can increase CO2 levels?
-Age of a building/HVAC;
-Design of a building;
-Function of the building (may not have windows that open);
-Size of the building;
-Number of ppl in the building;
-Other CO2 sources, (smoking, stoves, furnaces, water heaters, & pets)

What can be done about high CO2?
-Engineers are experts in ventilation systems! Get their input...
-Reduce the # of people in the building;
-Avoid strenuous activities like singing, dancing, & shouting
-Servicing or upgrading your HVAC system;

-Consider HEPA filters in your HVAC system to reduce particles that may have viruses/bacteria;
-Increase the amount of outdoor air being drawn into your HVAC system, to decrease the recirculation of ‘stale’ air;
-Place portable air filtration systems throughout the building;

-Open windows and doors where the safety of occupants won’t be jeopardized, & the function HVAC system won’t be affected;
-Install screens so that windows and doors can be opened without the risk of pests (e.g. flies) coming in;

Finally to stop the spread of COVID-19, ventilation is only 1 tool (but an important one!). Vaccination, masking up, staying home when you're sick & testing/treatment are also other important tools in the ongoing pandemic.

https://twitter.com/twpiggott/status/1491818996471156737

If you use the new @ptbolibrary CO2 monitors after they're available Apr 1st, we'd love to hear how it goes!
Spread the word, not COVID-19!

For more information & the info sheet that goes out with the CO2 loan program from @ptbolibrary see:
peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/ho…