Books & Audiobooks
Borrowing a CO2 Monitor
How to Borrow
- The CO2 monitors have a three (3) week loan period and are renewable
- CO2 Monitors can be placed on hold to be picked up at any WPL location
How to Return
- Return CO2 monitors directly to staff at any WPL location during library hours
- CO2 monitors may not be returned through a returns slot
Aranet4 CO2 Monitor sitting in front of a plant
More Information
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What is CO2?
CO2 is a gas that is exhaled with every breath we take. As more people remain in a room CO2 levels increase quickly if there is not enough fresh air circulating the space. CO2 is also produced when things like natural gas, oil, propane, wood or tobacco are burned.
High levels of CO2 can:
- Cause tiredness and headaches
- Affect your cognitive ability
- Impact your wellbeing
- Increase the risk of spreading respiratory particles and viruses they carry
Poorly ventilated indoor spaces increase your risk of contracting an airborne virus or infection. The reading on a CO2 monitor is not a direct indicator of the risk for contracting these infections. However, CO2 readings will help you determine whether you should take steps to increase the circulation of fresh air in your space which will improve the air quality and may reduce the risk of the spread of infectious illnesses. The steps can be simple, like opening a window or reducing the number of people in a room. Other steps may include servicing your HVAC system or using a portable air filtration device.
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How much CO2 is acceptable?
The CO2 monitor will measure concentrations of CO2 in ppm (parts per million). These are the ranges:
Good – 420ppm (fresh air) – 1,000ppm
Average – 1,000ppm – 1,400ppm
Unhealthy – above 1,400ppm
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How do I use a CO2 monitor?
You can find more information on the CO2 readings and how to set up the Aranet4 Home in its online user manual (PDF).
Corentium Home digital radon monitor in someone's hand
Borrowing a Radon Monitor
How to Borrow
- Radon monitors have a three (3) week loan period and can be renewed an additional two times to a maximum of 9 weeks
- Radon monitors can be placed on hold to be picked up at any WPL location
How to Return
- Return Radon monitors directly to staff at any WPL location during library hours
- Radon monitors may not be returned through a returns slot
More Information
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What is radon?
Radon is a gas that is formed when uranium is broken down in soil and rock. The gas rises from the earth into buildings through basements and foundations. Radon is in all buildings, but a low level of radon isn’t harmful. When a high level of radon builds up it can affect human health.
Radon gas is odorless and invisible, so a monitor is needed to detect a radon level. Waterloo Public Library is happy to be a participating library in the Take Action on Radon program, intended to increase awareness of radon and it’s dangers, while offering an accessible way for communities across the country to test for radon.
For more information please visit Health Canada.
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Why is it important to test for radon?
Reduction of radon is possible. If a high level of radon is detected in a building, a mitigation system can be professionally installed, to reduce the amount of radon by more than 80%!
A concerning level of radon is anything over 200 Bq/m3.
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When and how long should I test for radon?
For the most accurate result, monitoring should be done over several months. The best time of year to test is when our windows close between Fall and Spring, so less fresh air is circulating. Borrowing a monitor from WPL for 3 weeks allows enough time for an indication that a home or building has a concerning level of radon and for our community to follow the next steps identified on the Health Canada and Take Action on Radon sites.
Have a question about borrowing an
air monitor?
Our staff are happy to help answer any questions you might have about our Cool Things to Borrow collections and library services.