Since the onset of the novel corona virus that has become a pandemic, there is emphasis placed on improving indoor hygiene. People across the globe now realize that prevention of illness needs to be part of the strategy to control infection. Although mask wearing and social distancing may reduce transmission it is not enough to solve the problem.
Keeping building occupants healthy begins with making sure we are combating indoor air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fresh air standards for commercial buildings. Probably due to the fact the average American spends up to 90% of their time indoors and the workplace is one such instance.
To ensure fresh air is at satisfactory levels the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.1 has established guidelines. These guidelines give building or facility managers a baseline for acceptable Indoor Air Quality and ventilation.
Identifying pollutants
Besides Corona there are other airborne pathogens that contribute to poor health. Indoor pollutant includes microorganisms, germs, spores, molds along with carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Since many pollutants have no smell and cannot visibility they can be potentially dangerous.
Combined together these variables come together to make indoor space unhealthy hence the term sick building syndrome. During the Summer of 1976 a new ailment named Legionaries disease during a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia, PA. This was due to a strain of bacteria called Legionella found in the cooling tower of the AC system.
Symptoms of poor Indoor air
When buildings contain too much humidity people will describe them as being muggy. Then symptoms such as congestion, dizziness, fatigue, nausea along with irritation of the eyes nose and throat can set in. However, many of these problems can be identical to a cold or allergic reaction. Only a medical professional can diagnose the true source of these symptoms.
Solutions for Improving Indoor air
While providing us cooling and heating our air conditioning units can be made to be healthier. Fortunately, we have many ways in which to diminish poor indoor air quality and actually improve the air we breathe. The first way to improve indoor air is with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) to continually bring in fresh air and circulate it in spaces.
Fortunately, we have many ways in which to diminish poor indoor air quality and actually improve the air we breathe. The first way to improve indoor air is with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) to continually bring in fresh air and circulate it in spaces. A DOAS system will remove humidity from the room and help the AC unit operate more efficiently. Additionally, filtration and air sanitization are helping to make buildings safer for occupants.