What is the Correct Ventilation Rate in Buildings?
Proper ventilation in buildings is vital to maintaining good air quality. Click here to find out about the correct ventilation rate in buildings.
Alongside HEPA filtration, UVC disinfection is now commonly used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Depending on the virus type and where the air is being circulated, there is also the risk of the virus repairing itself in a process of photoreactivation or “dark repair.” This happens when there is an absence of light. The organism or virus isn’t fully destroyed and the lack of UV light, or any light, gives it time to repair itself before being reintroduced to the UV-light-exposed air.
Bipolar ionization is a new technology that has emerged with the pandemic. Bipolar ionization is associated with the build-up of harmful levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). Increased levels of CO2 are strongly associated with potential cognitive impairment, especially in growing children.
These devices can also have byproducts of ethanol and acetone, found in paint strippers, and toluene. UVC results in the return of harmful VOCs back into indoor air, which further contaminates it.
Currently, there is a class action lawsuit adding plaintiffs that bought needlepoint bipolar ionization devices from the company Global Plasma Solutions. Learn more about this lawsuit and the lack of capabilities of bipolar ionization.
HEPA filters must be changed consistently. Some experts say that HEPA filters should be changed bi-weekly during a pandemic or epidemic to ensure the highest quality filtration. This process can also be dangerous, requiring technicians to suit up to protect themselves from potentially being exposed to harmful pathogens reintroduced back into indoor air by a disposed of filter.
A typical HEPA filter is made with woven fibers, most commonly polyester or fiberglass, which are not recyclable. For this reason, filters must be thrown away after each use, contributing to environmental pollution.
Further, clean air can lead to an abundance of environmental benefits. The soil becomes more nutrient-dense, leading to a greater crop harvest for farmers and thus boosting local and federal economies.
Proper ventilation in buildings is vital to maintaining good air quality. Click here to find out about the correct ventilation rate in buildings.
The founder of Harvard University’s Health Buildings Program, Joseph Allen, appeared on 60 minutes with Dr. Jonathan LaPook to discuss the importance of indoor air quality. Also covered are some of the technologies currently available that can be used to help prevent the spread the transmission of airborne disease as well as some of the missteps during the pandemic. An innovative patented compressive heating system, SteriSpace, is currently the only technology capable of achieving air sterilization and setting the new standard of care in indoor air quality is a perfect solution for creating healthy buildings.
There are several things you need to understand about COVID in nursing homes. Keep reading to learn more about keeping the indoor air clean.