Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is found naturally in the earth’s atmosphere (approximately 0.03 % by volume at sea level). It is non-flammable, slightly acidic and is normally inert and non-toxic in nature. Carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere is considered a trace gas currently occurring at an average concentration of about 400 parts per million by volume (or 591 parts per million by mass). The total mass of atmospheric carbon dioxide is 3.16×1015 kg (about 3,000 Gigaton). Its concentration varies seasonally and also considerably on a regional basis, especially near the ground. In urban areas concentrations are generally higher and in indoors, the gas can reach 10 times background levels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas (GHG).