Personal CO cloud: laboratory measurements of metabolic CO inhalation zone concentration and dispersion in a typical office desk setting.

Inhalation exposure to pure and metabolic elevated carbon dioxide (CO) concentration has been associated with impaired work performance, lower perceived air quality, and increased health symptoms. In this study, the concentration of metabolic CO was continuously measured in the inhalation zone of 41 subjects performing simulated office work. The measurements took place in an environmental chamber with well-controlled mechanical ventilation arranged as an office environment.