Top 10 FAQs About Carbon Dioxide Safety and Compliance

Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a critical role in many industries- from beverage dispensing to medical procedures and agriculture. But while it's a familiar gas, it's also one that can become hazardous if not properly monitored. Whether you're running a restaurant, brewery, lab, or large facility, understanding how CO2 behaves - and how to control it - is essential for safety and code compliance.

This guide breaks down the essentials: what CO2 is, how monitoring systems work, the health risks of overexposure, and what you need to stay compliant with local and national regulations.

1. What is CO2?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas that is colorless, odorless, and essential to life on Earth. It’s a byproduct of respiration, combustion, fermentation, and many industrial processes. While CO2 is crucial for plant photosynthesis and is used in countless commercial applications, high concentrations in enclosed environments can pose serious health risks.

2. What is a CO2 monitoring system?

A CO2 monitor is a device used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, typically displayed in parts per million (ppm). These monitors play a critical role in ensuring life safety and maintaining indoor air quality in environments, where CO2 can accumulate such as restaurants, breweries, offices, schools, and industrial facilities.

Most CO2 monitors use Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) or chemical sensors to detect CO2 levels in real time. When the concentration surpasses safe thresholds, the device issues visual and/or audible alarms to alert occupants and prompt corrective action.

For example, models like the Aerosphere® RVL01-17 provide layered alarms at 5,000 ppm, 15,000 ppm, and 30,000 ppm, helping users identify and respond to varying degrees of risk. These systems not only keep you safe, they also assist with local, state, and national compliance in commercial settings.

In agriculture, they assist in optimizing plant growth by keeping CO2 at ideal levels. Many modern CO2 monitors can be integrated into HVAC systems or building management systems, making them scalable and customizable for different industries and facility sizes.

Read our article about CO2 monitors to learn more.

3. What causes high CO2 levels?

High CO2 levels are most likely to build up in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. While CO2 is naturally present in the air around us, leaks from concentrated sources (like tanks or cylinders) can quickly become dangerous in tight spaces, even turning deadly if not addressed.

Common causes include:

• CO2 leaks from beverage systems, tanks, or pipelines
• Poor ventilation in crowded rooms
• Industrial processes such as welding, dry ice storage, or fermentation
• Malfunctioning HVAC systems

Because CO2 is heavier than air, it tends to settle in low-lying areas, which makes leaks especially dangerous in basements or below-ground facilities.

4. What industries use CO2?

CO2 plays a vital role in a wide range of industries.

Some sectors include:

• Food & Beverage: Used for carbonation in soft drinks and beer, food preservation, and packaging. Restaurants and bars use CO2 to power soda and beer pump systems.
• Medical: Used in surgical procedures (insufflation), as well as in respiratory therapy.
• Agriculture: Enhances plant growth in greenhouses by increasing photosynthesis.
• Manufacturing: Applied in welding (as a shielding gas), fire suppression systems, and metal fabrication.
• Pharmaceuticals and Laboratories: Used in cryogenic preservation, testing, and other controlled environments.

5. What are the dangers and health risks of CO2?

While CO2 isn’t toxic in the way some gases are, it’s considered a simple asphyxiant (SA)- meaning it can push out oxygen in the air. In high concentrations, that lack of oxygen can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening.

As expressed by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, exposure to elevated CO2 levels can cause:

• Mild exposure: Headaches, dizziness, fatigue
• Moderate exposure: Shortness of breath, confusion, increased heart rate
• Severe exposure: Unconsciousness, suffocation, or even death

Because it’s odorless and heavier than air, CO2 can accumulate without warning in enclosed or low-lying areas. This makes leaks particularly hazardous in workplaces like breweries, storage facilities, and industrial plants. Installing proper monitoring systems is essential to keep employees and patrons safe.

6. Are CO2 monitors legally required?

Yes, in many industries and jurisdictions, CO2 monitors are legally required but the specifics depend on your location and how CO2 is being used or stored.

Regulatory bodies like the International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 55, and the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) set national safety standards for CO2 use, particularly in environments like restaurants, bars, breweries, and industrial facilities. These codes often require CO2 detection systems when CO2 is stored or dispensed above certain thresholds, especially in enclosed or below-grade areas where leaks can create serious hazards.

However, enforcement of these regulations can vary significantly by city and state. Some jurisdictions may require fire, hazardous materials, or building permits that include provisions for CO2 monitoring.

Understand your CO2 permit requirements by submitting your information through our Free CO2 Permit Diagnosis Form. You’ll use our expert knowledge to help you understand what you need to be compliant with local, state, and national codes.

7. How often do systems need to be recertified or inspected?

Inspection and recertification frequency depends on the type of CO2 system and local regulations. As a general rule, CO2 monitors and sensors should be inspected at least once a year, though high-traffic or high-risk environments may need more frequent checks. Monitoring systems should undergo periodic testing, often aligned with building or fire safety inspections. CO2 tanks and bulk storage systems typically require recertification or hydrostatic testing every 5 to 10 years, depending on tank size, pressure rating, and usage.

8. How is CO2 used for beverages?

In the beverage industry, CO2 is primarily used for carbonation: the process of dissolving CO2 into a liquid to create fizzy drinks. This applies to soft drinks like soda and sparkling water, draft systems in bars and restaurants, and beer and other alcoholic beverages.

CO2 is also used to pressurize kegs and deliver drinks through lines to taps. Beverage-grade CO2 must meet strict purity standards, and systems should be regularly inspected for leaks to ensure both product quality and safety.

9. What permits or compliance documents do I need for bulk CO2 storage?

If you're storing bulk CO2, you may need several permits or compliance documents depending on your location and the size of your system. Key safety codes include the International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 55, and the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC). These codes cover everything from ventilation and gas detection to tank installation, signage, emergency shutoffs, and inspection schedules. For example, the IFC requires either continuous ventilation or CO2 gas detection alarms in enclosed spaces where bulk CO2 is stored or used. NFPA 55 details safety protocols for compressed gas handling, while the NBIC focuses on the inspection and maintenance of pressurized CO2 tanks.

Because enforcement varies by city and state, your local fire marshal or building authority may require fire, building, or hazardous materials permits, along with proof of compliance with these codes. If you're expanding to a new location, responding to a code violation, or upgrading your CO2 system, a compliance review is essential.

To simplify the process, we offer free CO2 permit consultations based on your business address, helping you identify exactly which permits and documents you'll need to stay safe and legally compliant.

To learn more about CO2 compliance regulations, read our article about safety codes and compliance.

10. What else is needed when dealing with bulk CO2 storage?

Bulk CO2 storage, used in breweries, hospitals, or manufacturing facilities, requires more than just tanks. Other safety and operational components may include:

• Monitoring systems to identify and alert personnel of any gas escape
• Automated shut-off valves in the event of a leak
• Emergency signage and restricted access to tank areas
• Use a CO2 tank cage or cabinet to help secure your tank from unauthorized access, tampering, or accidental damage- especially in outdoor or high-traffic areas.
• Pressure relief devices to prevent tank over-pressurization
• Periodic inspections and recertifications

Having trained personnel and a clear emergency response plan is just as important as the equipment itself.