A quick introduction to sensor values

We have created a quick guide to give you an easy overview into all sensor values measured by your Airthings device.

A quick introduction to sensor values

We have created a quick guide to give you an easy overview into all sensor values measured by your Airthings device.

Radon_Sensor_icons_white

Radon

Humidity_Sensor_icons_white

Humidity

CO2_Sensor_icons_white

CO2

VOCS_Sensor_icons_white

VOC

Temp_Sensor_icons_white

Temperature

Click any value for your introduction

Radon

What is radon?

Radon is an invisible gas formed in the Earth’s crust. It surrounds every one of us as part of the air we breathe. High levels of radon over long periods of time can cause lung cancer.

Why should I care about radon?

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer amongs non-smokers1. By monitoring radon, you can be alerted when levels are too high and prevent an issue.

What causes high levels?

The ground is the main source of radon in our homes. Cracks in the foundation of our homes can allow radon gas to enter and accumulate indoors.

How to reduce radon

2.7 - 4.0 pCi/L
Keep measuring. If levels are maintained for more than 3 months, contact a professional radon mitigator.

4.0 pCi/L and up
Keep measuring. If levels are maintained for more than 1 month, contact a professional radon mitigator.

Metric units

Good <100 Bq/m3

Fair >100 & <150 Bq/m3

Poor ≥ 150 Bq/m3

US (Imperial)

Good <2.7 pCi/L

Fair ≥ 2.7 & <4 pCi/L

Poor ≥ 4 pCi/L

Sources:

  1. www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon#:~:text=Radon%20is%20the%20number%20one,people%20who%20have%20never%20smoked

Humidity

What is humidity?

Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity measures the amount of water in the air in relation to the maximum possible moisture.

Why should I care about humidity?

Though humidity is a natural part of our atmosphere, too much humidity in our homes can cause dampness and mold. Whereas too little humidity means the air becomes dry and uncomfortable and exacerbate eczema symptoms1

What causes too high and too low levels?

Everyday actions such as cleaning, cooking, showering, and other indoor processes release moisture into the indoor air, making indoor humidity levels rise.

On the other hand, too low humidity can cause itching and dryness, and a significant link between low humidity and the spread of the influenza virus has been found.

How to improve humidity levels

For high humidity, try using a dehumidifier, drying clothes outside, and ventilating your home well. For low humidity, try using a humidifier and release moisture into the air by drying clothes inside and opening the door after showering.

Metric units

Poor <25%

Fair >25% & <30%

Good >30% & <60%

Fair >60% & <70%

Poor >70%

Sources:

  1. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-in-winter/

CO2

What is CO2?

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is an odorless, colorless gas, naturally present in our atmosphere. Made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, it is most commonly produced indoors by the air we exhale. As levels rise indoors it can affect productivity and sleep1.

Why should I care about CO2?

Carbon dioxide plays a critical role in the environment, the climate, and even your body. Cognitive scores were 61% higher in green buildings with low CO2 than in conventional buildings, making healthy CO2 levels vital for productivity2.

Outside, it is an important heat-trapping greenhouse gas, which is released through human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels3.

What causes high levels indoors?

CO2 levels rise and fall regularly indoors. Indoor carbon dioxide concentrations are driven by a combination of outdoor CO2, indoor breathing and the ventilation rate of the building. As buildings and homes become more energy-efficient and airtight, this means we have less fresh air.

How to improve CO2 levels indoors

Keep your door or window open while you sleep to avoid that “stale” air feeling, which comes from increased levels of CO2. Regularly replace your air filters in indoor fan systems and monitor your air to remind you when to refresh your home.

Metric units

Good <800 ppm

Fair ≥800 & <1000 ppm

Poor ≥1000 ppm

Sources:

  1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ina.12254
  2. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510037
  3. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/carbon-dioxide

Airborne chemicals (VOC)

What are airborne chemicals (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a combination of gases and odors emitted from many different toxins and chemicals found in everyday products.

Why should I care about airborne chemicals?

Studies have found that levels of several airborne chemicals average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors1.

These high levels can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, as well as more serious health impacts such as impacts on the liver1.

What causes high levels indoors?

They come from an array of everyday items including paints and varnishes, wax and cosmetics, cleaning and hobby products, and even cooking and human breath.

When you have an enclosed space like a home or office, these emitted gases accumulate and pollute our fresh air.

How to improve airborne chemicals levels indoors

Listen to your nose: when something smells, it is more than likely emitting airborne chemicals.

Even things that smell nice like perfume or air fresheners have negative effects.

Metric units

Good <250 ppb

Fair ≥250 & <2000 ppb

Poor ≥2000 ppb

Sources:

  1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

Temperature

What is temperature?

Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is. As we know, the temperature in your home can vary wildly from room to room. It depends on the heating, your home’s construction, and the temperature outdoors.

Why should I care about temperature?

A too warm or a too cold space can impact not only our mood and comfort levels, but also our ability to focus, our sleep patterns and can act as a trigger for asthma1.

Excessive cold or heat can indicate that something is wrong with your heating or ventilation and can be used as a warning to avoid damage.

What affects temperature indoors?

Seasonal changes, excess heating or cooling inside and homes with insufficient ventilation can all affect the temperature indoors.

How to manage temperature indoors

Good ventilation, well-maintained central heating or electric heating and cooling systems will ensure your home stays at the optimal temperature to suit you.

Metric units

Poor <18 ºC

Fair ≥18 ºC & <25 ºC

Poor >25 ºC

US (Imperial)

Good <64 ºF

Fair ≥ 64 ºF and <77 ºF

Poor ≥ 77 ºF

Sources:

  1. Guo Y, Gasparrini A, Armstrong BG, Tawatsupa B, Tobias A, Lavigne E, et al. Temperature variability and mortality: a multi-country study. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2016;124(10):1554–9. [PubMed] [Reference list] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27258598/