atena

The primary indicator of air exchange

Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant in the strict sense at the levels normally found in indoor environments. It is the gas we produce by breathing. However, it is the best indicator of air exchange quality.

When CO₂ concentration increases in an enclosed space, it means the air is not being replaced sufficiently. In other words, we are breathing re-breathed air.

Elevated levels can cause drowsiness, decreased concentration, and a feeling of "heavy" air. In offices, schools, or meeting rooms, CO₂ is often the first parameter signaling insufficient ventilation.

There is no rigid health limit for homes, but values below 800 ppm indicate good ventilation, while above 1200–1500 ppm action should be taken to increase air exchange.

Monitoring CO₂ means understanding if the building is breathing properly.

What we analyze in the final report

CO₂ is interpreted as a ventilation indicator.
In the report we evaluate:

• Average and maximum values during occupancy hours
• Time spent above indicative thresholds (800–1200 ppm)
• The environment's ability to recover optimal values
• Relationship between occupancy and air exchange

We provide practical recommendations to optimize natural or mechanical ventilation.

Invisible emissions from materials and products

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases released by many commonly used materials and products: paints, glues, new furniture, detergents, air fresheners, building materials.

They often increase after recent renovations or refurnishing. They can cause irritation, headaches, or discomfort in sensitive individuals.

There is no single regulatory limit for the total value (TVOC) in residential environments, but generally values below 300 ppb are considered good, while higher concentrations indicate the need to improve ventilation or assess emission sources.

Monitoring VOCs means understanding how much the environment releases substances into the air.

What we analyze in the final report

VOCs are interpreted as an indicator of internal emissions.

We analyze:

• Total average level (TVOC)
• Any increases in specific time slots
• Correlation with temperature and ventilation
• Possible emission sources (materials, products, furniture)

In the report, we indicate whether it is sufficient to improve air exchange or if it is advisable to evaluate the sources.

The invisible fine dust particles

Fine particulate matter consists of microscopic particles suspended in the air. PM2.5 particles have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, and PM1 particles are even smaller.

They can come from the outside (traffic, combustion, industrial activities) but also from the inside: cooking, candles, fireplaces, printers, craft operations.

The issue is size: the smaller they are, the deeper they penetrate into the respiratory tract. The World Health Organization recommends an annual average of less than 5 µg/m³ and a daily average of less than 15 µg/m³ for PM2.5.

In indoor environments, concentrations can increase rapidly during certain activities. Monitoring them allows you to understand which behaviors or situations most affect air quality.

What we analyze in the final report

Fine particulate matter is analyzed in relation to the activities carried out in the environment.

We evaluate:

• Daily trends and peaks related to specific events
• Persistence of concentrations after activities
• Comparison with WHO guideline values
• Possible internal sources or infiltration from outside

We propose potential reduction strategies (ventilation, filtration, behavioral modification).

The balance between comfort and mold risk

Relative humidity represents the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is a fundamental parameter for both comfort and building health.

Values that are too low (below 35%) can cause dry mucous membranes and discomfort. Values that are too high (above 60–65%) encourage condensation and mold growth.

The optimal range is generally between 40% and 60%.

Monitoring humidity means preventing building pathologies and improving living well-being.

What we analyze in the final report

Humidity is evaluated in relation to comfort and mold risk.

We consider:

• Time spent outside the 40–60% range
• Daily fluctuations
• Relationship with temperature and occupancy
• Possible risk of surface condensation

We provide recommendations to rebalance the microclimate.

Not just comfort

Temperature influences perceived comfort, but also the dynamics of pollutants and mold formation. Environments that are too cold can favor surface condensation; environments that are too hot can increase VOC emissions.

In winter the recommended range is 20–22°C, in summer 24–26°C.

It is an apparently simple parameter, but central to microclimatic balance.

What we analyze in the final report

Temperature is interpreted as a baseline parameter of the microclimatic system.

We evaluate:

• Stability over time
• Differences between time slots
• Impact on humidity and VOCs
• Consistency with comfort standards

If critical issues emerge, we suggest regulation and energy management strategies.

The parameter that helps interpret Atmospheric pressure is not a pollutant, but it is essential for interpreting data.

Pressure variations influence the ingress of gases from the ground, such as radon, and modify the balance between inside and outside. In some cases, they explain sudden fluctuations in monitored values.

It is a technical reading parameter, useful for understanding building behavior.

What we analyze in the final report

Pressure is used as an interpretative parameter.

In the report we analyze:

• Correlation with radon variations
• Any infiltration dynamics
• Influence of weather conditions

It serves to understand the behavior of the building as a whole.

A natural gas that cannot be seen, but can be measured

Radon is a natural radioactive gas formed in the ground from the decay of uranium present in rocks. It is invisible, odorless, and causes no immediate sensation. Because of this, it can be present in a building without us realizing it.

From the ground, it tends to rise to the surface and can enter buildings through small cracks in foundations, structural joints, pipe penetrations, or unventilated basements. Once inside, it can accumulate, especially on lower floors.

Prolonged exposure to high concentrations is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. It is considered the second leading cause after smoking.

In Italy, the regulatory reference is Legislative Decree 101/2020, which sets a reference level of 300 Bq/m³ as an annual average. In workplaces, measurement is mandatory under certain conditions.

The key point is this: it is not the daily peak that matters, but the average over time. Radon cannot be perceived, but it can be measured and reduced with targeted technical interventions.

What we analyze in the final report

In the report, we do not limit ourselves to indicating the average concentration detected.

We analyze:

• Trends over time (daily and weekly variations)
• Correlation with atmospheric pressure and ventilation
• Presence of recurring peaks
• Comparison with the reference level (300 Bq/m³ annual average)
• Risk assessment based on building type

If necessary, we indicate the most suitable technical mitigation strategies for the specific case.