2020 has been a year of extremes. Ever since the pandemic reared its head, a cascade of events quickly unfolded, leading to several lockdowns, business closures, the widespread panic surrounding the virus, and a plummeting global economy. Even after more than 8 months since the unprecedented outbreak, most countries across the globe are yet to contain its rapid spread.    

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Although much remains to be discovered about the virus, CDC has confirmed that it is transmitted through the air, adding to the woes of people. The fact that the country’s air pollution levels are already alarming doesn’t exactly help the situation but even worsens the scenario. Owing to these factors, enclosed, low-ventilated spaces without any high-efficiency air filtration have become dangerous for individuals as they can promote the spread of the deadly virus. Now, as the economy gradually reopens, it is high time the country adopts proper ventilation practices and air filtration solutions to eliminate the risk of transmission in indoor spaces through the air.   

Given the growing concerns regarding its highly transmissible nature, adequate ventilation and thorough air sanitization combined with other practices such as social distancing and frequent handwashing can work wonders in preventing the spread of the virus. To gain better insights into understanding how to deploy effective air filtration solutions and keep indoor spaces ventilated, let us delve deeper.  

Air filtration systems: The ideal solution to control pollutants   

The deteriorating air quality has long been a cause for concern in India. However, it is only very recently that people have come to realize the magnitude of the pollution problem and plummeting air quality across the country. In addition to this, there is the unfortunate, yet common misconception that indoor air is purer than outdoor air. On the contrary, indoor air can be up to 15 times more polluted than outdoor air due to pollutants such as PM 2.5 particles, dust, gases from cooking oils and aerosols, the SARS-CoV2, and the presence of other microbes. After bodies like WHO and CDC have confirmed the airborne nature of COVID-19, we all know that airborne transmission is the dominant route of Coronavirus. A high-level air filtration that meets the guidelines for ASHRAE and EUROVENT can help you protect from the transmission of airborne COVID-19. This calls for immediate, effective, efficient, and sustainable air filtration systems to be deployed prudently and accurately to combat the persistent problem, bringing clean technology into the picture.   

Today, clean technology is a rapidly growing, highly lucrative industry as more and more people begin to realize its significance and necessity. The onset of the pandemic coupled with the pollution issues has further accelerated the demand for sustainable air sanitization solutions. With this heightened demand, companies in the sector are introducing innovative never-before-seen solutions with the help of cutting-edge technology. These air filtration solutions not only trap viruses and other microorganisms but kill them, thus preventing them from reproducing further.   

For example, front-running industry players have come up with solutions that use UVGI (ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) technology to effectively destroy the virus, thereby offering maximum protection, and cleaner, healthier air for people. The filtration systems also ensure that there is zero UV exposure outside the device, to ensure that there is no harm done to the people. Sustainable, easy-to-use, and highly effective, these filtration devices are now sought after for commercial, industrial, and home usage.   

Although improved ventilation and air filtration alone will not entirely eradicate the transmission of the virus, they can immensely reduce the risk. As life resumes in the ‘new normal’, healthcare authorities are fearing a massive second wave of the outbreak. Simple yet efficient measures such as the above-mentioned can work wonders in helping people lead a safe, virus-free life even amidst the crisis.   

Ventilation: The key to improving indoor air quality   

People often complain about headaches and a nauseated feeling while sitting inside closed, air-conditioned spaces for long hours. In such cases when they’re feeling cooped up, they are advised to ‘get some fresh air’. The reason for these unpleasant feelings is often stale air recirculating within the room due to a lack of ventilation. This can make the room emanate a pungent odor as there is no way for fresh air to enter. More importantly, it can also cause the virus to remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Ventilation, thus, plays a pivotal role in curbing the transmission of the virus in indoor spaces.   

To encourage people to keep rooms well-ventilated, the Government of India has strongly advised against the usage of air-conditioners as they can become a breeding ground for viruses and other microbes. Global bodies such as ISHRAE, ASHRAE, and the CDC recommend maximum ventilation even for those who have contracted the virus. Simply ensuring that the doors and windows remain open allowing ample sunlight and fresh air to enter the room will go a long way in curbing the spread of the virus. Furthermore, air filtration systems need to be installed in all indoor spaces to leave no room for any risk of transmission. 

See Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:

(Himanshu Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Magneto CleanTech)