Health - Safety - Wellbeing - Productivity - Compliance

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Air Quality for Health and Safety

by The World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) released in March 2021 the “Roadmap to improve and ensure good indoor ventilation in the context of COVID-19.”

Scientists lead the way for change. It should be mandatory that building occupants get real-time information on the quality of the air they are breathing. “Wide use of monitors displaying the state of indoor air quality must be mandated because the general public currently have no way of knowing the condition of indoor spaces they occupy and share with others.” This call for action emphasizes the importance of improving indoor ventilation systems to prevent infections like COVID-19.

Testing for specific atmospheric pollutants can require complex technology, but carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are a good proxy for indoor air quality. The higher the CO2 concentration above outdoor levels, the poorer the ventilation. Along with CO2, humidity and temperature also indicate potential COVID-19 spread.

An in-depth study in 2021 found that higher temperatures and humidity could suppress COVID-19 transmission, showing significant effects even with minimal variations in these measures.

Legislation for Clean Indoor Air

Legislators are starting to take action against poor indoor air quality. Belgium has mandated that employers conduct risk analyses concerning indoor air quality, ensuring that CO2 concentration is kept below 900 ppm.

The Business Benefits of Clean Workplace Air

Research suggests that compromising on air quality could represent a false economy. Studies show a link between poor air quality and decreased worker productivity. A notable study revealed that cognitive performance doubled in well-ventilated environments compared to typical office conditions.

Joseph Allen, from Harvard University, found that workers in well-ventilated conditions scored significantly higher than in typical settings. Poor air quality could lead to symptoms that label a building as a 'sick building'.

Living with COVID

Countries have adopted various strategies to handle COVID-19. Ensuring safe workplaces will mean maintaining good air quality to minimize spread. Employers face potential liabilities if air quality is neglected, leading to claims or business disruptions due to sick employees.

Most businesses may have limited control over building management systems, and many systems offer air quality monitoring as an option, needing improvement to aid occupants.

Monitoring Indoor Air Quality

Building operators will be increasingly pressured to monitor air quality as COVID-19 and related health issues remain significant concerns. Installing air quality monitoring devices allows for real-time assessment of air conditions, ensuring safety for all occupants.

Astute property owners have embraced IoT-enabled smart solutions for building management. These systems gather data that drive optimal performance and enhance tenant comfort and safety.

Monitoring devices must be cost-effective and long-lasting, helping to manage health and safety while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

Conclusion

The ability to monitor and manage indoor air quality will be crucial in a post-COVID environment to ensure operational health, safety, and business continuity.