ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carbon dioxide transmission rate

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that we can't see or smell, but it is very important. When people and animals breathe, they produce CO2. It's also produced when we burn things like fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means it can trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming.

The carbon dioxide transmission rate is a way to measure how fast CO2 can go through different materials, like plastic or metal. It's like a speed limit for CO2. Scientists use this measurement to see how much carbon dioxide can escape from things like food packaging or building materials.

The transmission rate is measured in a unit called cc/m2/day. This means "cubic centimeters per square meter per day." It tells us how much CO2 can pass through a square meter of material in one day. The lower the transmission rate, the slower the CO2 can pass through.

This measurement is important because it can affect things like the freshness of food. If too much CO2 escapes from a package, the food inside can spoil faster. It's also important for buildings and homes because too much CO2 can build up inside and make people sick.

Overall, the carbon dioxide transmission rate is a way to measure how fast CO2 can move through different materials, which can help us keep things fresh and healthy.