Let's tackle silent hazard of CO2 pollution in our vehicles, homes

**CO2 occurs naturally from human respiration.** [iStockphoto]

Imagine being driven in a car along a busy highway, completely unaware of an invisible danger. You begin to feel inexplicably drowsy despite being fully rested, and your concentration slips without apparent reason.

Unknown to you, your driver is experiencing the same troubling symptoms. As a passenger, you might fall asleep, but what happens if your driver does the same? Could the invisible air we breathe silently impact your health and safety?

At Green Africa Foundation, we recently initiated an observational assessment using a globally recognised air quality sensor, the Aranet4, made in Latvia, to monitor real-time carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, temperature, and humidity across various regions in Kenya.

What we found is deeply concerning: alarmingly high CO2 concentrations accumulate rapidly in enclosed environments, such as homes, offices, and particularly vehicles, even when the air conditioning is running, often causing headaches, dizziness, fatigue and reduced cognitive abilities.

CO2 occurs naturally from human respiration. Typically harmless outdoors, this gas quickly becomes hazardous in poorly ventilated spaces.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), CO2 concentrations between 1,000 and 2,000 parts per million (ppm) noticeably impair cognitive performance. Above 2,000 ppm, individuals commonly experience headaches, dizziness and profound drowsiness.

Our preliminary field studies across Malindi, Nairobi, Kitui, Eldoret and Naivasha revealed consistently dangerous CO2 levels inside vehicles. For instance, in Nairobi, while indoor CO2 ranged between 500 and 990 ppm, in-car levels rapidly escalated to between 1,900 and 4,300 ppm, regardless of car type or air conditioning.

In Malindi, outdoor CO₂ ranged from 400 to 480 ppm, yet inside vehicles, levels exceeded 2,000 ppm within minutes of closing the windows, dropping significantly upon ventilation. This scenario worsens in cars where the air conditioning system is continuously set to recirculation mode, as fresh air intake is minimised, leading to rapid CO2 accumulation. Even newer vehicles, typically considered safer, do not necessarily protect against high CO2 levels if inadequate ventilation or air conditioning systems remain unserviced.

This was, of course, a limited study that might not paint the exact picture across the country, but the potential implications for road safety are severe. Kenyan roads continue to witness tragic accidents, often attributed to fatigue and loss of concentration. Research globally links elevated CO2 levels to significant reductions in driver alertness and responsiveness.

South Korea offers a commendable global example. In 2021, the country introduced stringent vehicle ventilation regulations which mandate regular checks and adequate fresh air intake standards, thereby drastically reducing CO2-induced driving impairments. Kenya can learn much from this proactive approach.

Addressing this hidden hazard requires immediate attention and collective action. Firstly, individuals should regularly ventilate vehicles and indoor spaces, limit prolonged use of recirculation mode in vehicle air conditioning systems, and consider installing verified, affordable, portable CO2 monitors as a preventive measure. Initiatives like “Plant Your Age,” where everyone is encouraged to plant trees equivalent to their age, offer meaningful personal actions toward naturally reducing CO₂ and replenishing oxygen.

Secondly, policymakers must urgently facilitate the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to integrate air quality standards into national road safety guidelines. They should enforce mandatory public ventilation protocols, incentivise local production or importation of affordable air quality sensors, and enhance national building codes to implement strict controls for CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity.

Thirdly, researchers should enhance Green Africa Foundation’s initial assessments with thorough studies across Kenya to determine the full impact of indoor CO2 levels, including accidents and cognitive impairments.

Who knows if the constant bickering and confusion in our political space partly stem from prolonged exposure to high CO2 concentrations in vehicles? A detailed scientific exploration may offer intriguing insights.

Recognising and addressing this invisible yet preventable threat is crucial for our immediate well-being and future prosperity. Think green, act green!