Let’s talk more about fresh air

CO2 is one parameter which we measure and which gives us an idea how much outdoor air we have to bring in.

Air contains around 21 percent of oxygen. It is called the life-supporting gas. Oxygen is necessary for all living organisms because they derive energy from food with the help of oxygen. Respiration is the process of taking in oxygen, using it to make energy (by breaking down food), and then exhaling carbon dioxide.

Talking about air quality, Richie Mittal says, the only one thing which we miss is oxygen. Oxygen plays a very vital role. We talk about CO2 levels. The CO2 level is determined by the fact that we absorb oxygen, and we exhale CO2. Though oxygen is not much talked about, yet it is very much prevailing in our air quality circuit. It plays a very, very vital role. .

Oxygen facts
How important oxygen is for our body! You know, humans’ life is based on oxygen. The air in the atmosphere is made up of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, 0.3 percent carbon dioxide and 0.7 percent of other gases and dust particles, etc. And, combination wise, 79 is nitrogen and 21 is oxygen. However, due to the pollution level that we have, this oxygen level from 21 percent has gone down to 18 percent. There is research, which I am sure all of you would have read in the newspaper or anywhere that shows that approximately nine years of our life, if staying in Delhi is reduced. And it is a fact, there are a number of good scientific reasons behind that and that is pollution.

The human brain utilises maximum oxygen among all organs. Now, our brain grows on an average for seven years and pregnant mothers need 20 percent or more oxygen. But, unfortunately in India, we do not have that situation. In most of the areas the kind of percentage of oxygen is a very alarming situation. We need to understand how this happens and obviously everything correlates to oxygen.

Why people don’t talk about oxygen deficiency that plays a vital role. In an air conditioned area, where we are sitting, we are absorbing oxygen; but we are releasing CO2 also. So, CO2 is one parameter which we measure and which provides us an idea how much outdoor air we have to bring in. The fact is, bringing outdoor oxygen is important, but we don’t talk about it, unfortunately. Then, why do we need outdoor air. We need outdoor air to increase the level of oxygen in the breathing zone and that is how we correlate CO2. We say that CO2 levels should be minimal and that is the reason behind that.

Where do we get oxygen from!
We have to understand that we get oxygen from plants and where do we use it? We use it everywhere. We are using it as human beings. Our automobiles are also using it. One litre of petrol uses 10,000 litres of oxygen. We breathe 96 litres of oxygen however, we drink 12 litre water also. If you are in a zone where oxygen levels are low, say 17 or 18 percent, then there’ll be a deficit of oxygen and that is another big challenge. So, we need to work on this, there are solutions to this. Breathing is a process of moving air into and out of our lungs to facilitate air exchange level, mostly by bringing oxygen and flushing out carbon dioxide. Indoor air is another challenge. If the CO2 levels are high, then obviously oxygen levels will be low. This is another big challenge. We normally talk of CO2, but ultimately it correlates to oxygen in a big way. So, there are some problems which are identified.

Perceptibly, oxygen is low in the cities. We need to understand the gap between what is produced and what is consumed. We cannot stop consuming. But we have to increase our produce and plant more trees. Remarkably, at least in Delhi, people are talking of trees. Hence, you can understand the importance of trees because we need oxygen. So it’s a demand supply gap. And, you know, demand is very, very high and supply is very low. For this particular reason, we come across a very serious challenge with oxygen. Of course, there are plenty of companies who are providing oxygen into your rooms.

Richie concludes, I have done a couple of projects where we have installed oxygen rating displays into the room; not for the person but for the room. And, people sitting in room feel very happy. If you bring in more outdoor air into the room, you will be more healthier. We have to talk about oxygen in a bigger way. The striking factor is – monitoring of CO2 levels provide us an idea how to manage and balance fresh air, nevertheless, oxygen is an important part and parameter for life.