What is an Air-Score ?
The Air-Score is a label that indicates to visitors to an establishment open to the public what the quality of the indoor air renewal is in an enclosed place. This indicator indicates whether
this renewal is excellent, good, average, mediocre or insufficient.
The Air-Score of an enclosed place is determined for nominal use of the place, ie with the planned capacity and without user
intervention (such as opening a window). With a score of A or B, we can consider that the renewal is done well; with a score of C, D or E, vigilance and action are required, all the more so
if the score is bad. This vigilance can be exercised with a portable CO2 sensor which will measure the effective CO2 level in the room and allow the opening of the windows and/or doors of
the room to be modulated in order to promote the renewal of the air (see the website
nousaerons.fr ).
The Air-Score is compatible with the opinion of the High Council for Public Health of January 21, 2022:
"Notice relating to the measurement of carbon dioxide in the indoor air of establishments open to the public". The Air-Score is determined by the following CO2 levels:
- CO2 level < 600 ppm : this level is a recommendation of many scientists to fight against COVID-19 and other viruses spreading by aerosols, in catering establishments where wearing a mask is not possible.
- 600 ppm < Taux CO2 < 800 ppm : this level is a recommendation from the Haut Conseil de Santé Publique and many scientists to fight against COVID-19 and other viruses spreading through aerosols..
- 800 ppm < Taux CO2 < 1000 ppm : corresponds, in France, to the rate recommended by the Departmental Health Regulations in force in each department.
- Taux CO2 > 1500 ppm : corresponds to an immediate action threshold, recommended by the High Council for Public Health.
Please note, these thresholds are valid for a CO2 level measured outdoors of approximately 410 ppm which serves as a reference. This rate can reach, in particular during episodes of pollution, up to 500 ppm or even beyond. In these cases, the thresholds to be monitored should be adjusted to the observed increase in the rate outdoors. For example, if the CO2 level measured outdoors is 510 ppm, 100 ppm (= 510 ppm - 410 ppm) must be added to all the thresholds proposed above.