Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels in Middle School are the Likely Cause of Student Complaints

New York’s CBS2 recently broadcasted a story about student complaints at a New Jersey middle school. According to their report, some students have been complaining of being constantly tired and suffering from severe headaches when in the school building. Parents interviewed and shared concerns over these complaints and brought up poor test scores that could be related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues at the school.

In response to the complaints, health officials performed air tests within the school and reported finding elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that naturally occurs in the atmosphere as a trace gas. People also produce carbon dioxide as an end product of cellular respiration; the CO₂ is exhaled from the lungs as people breathe.

“According to the news report, there was not enough fresh air making its way into classrooms at the New Jersey middle school,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Without fresh air, CO₂ levels in an occupied building will increase over time due to the presence of people. This can cause any building occupants to then experience health issues as CO₂ levels rise. Without proper ventilation, these health issues and complaints could also be due to other contaminants in the air that also build up.”

At high levels, carbon dioxide can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. At extremely high levels, CO₂ can cause asphyxiation, but CO₂ poisoning is rare. To help in these types of situations, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers air testing services, along with a wide range of real-time gas monitors and data logging instruments. These tools can be used to measure for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and numerous other gases of concern in an indoor or enclosed environment. These instruments are available for purchase and rental from EMSL’s Products Division.

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about carbon dioxide and indoor environments that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/RxfA5rulWz4.

To learn more about air testing or other environmental, occupational, or health and safety services and monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail