Blog: Why Ventilation is Critical
The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged that airborne transmission is a major route for Covid, spreading through the air, especially in indoor spaces. So what's the plan for ventilation going forward?
As thousands prepare to click the 'out of office' button on and enjoy a summer holiday, the thoughts of winter and Covid are a distant memory.
There’s no crystal ball that can tell us exactly what’s next for Covid, however, statistics and experts indicate it’s likely to peak again in the winter months.
What’s the plan?
Many scientists are already warning of the importance of winter planning, questioning what the plan is and arguing the need to get strategies in place now to reduce the spike of cases in the months to come. It all comes down to the three Ps: Preparation, Prevention, Protection.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) finally acknowledged that airborne transmission is a major route for Covid, spreading through the air, especially in indoor spaces via small droplets, which come from everyday actions like breathing and speaking.
Without good ventilation, these aerosols remain suspended in the air and spread quickly to people who spend more than a few minutes in the company of an infected person.
Knowing about airborne transmission is important. It allows us to take steps to protect ourselves and others. Good ventilation and indoor air quality is crucial going forward.
3 reasons why ventilation is vital in our lives today:
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Improving ventilation is a huge mitigation in our social spaces
Ventilation minimises risk and it doesn’t rely on changing human behaviour, e.g. asking people to wear masks and socially distance.
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Positive impact on health and wellbeing
Studies have shown health, concentration and lower absence rates can all be connected to ventilation. This is of particular importance as firms try and win the return to office battle. It also plays a vital role in reducing the disruption to the education system.
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Reduces the spread of diseases
Good ventilation expels air impurities and reduces the transmission of Covid and lots of other airborne diseases - these include the common cold, influenza, and chickenpox.
No one wants to be left to muddle through another Covid winter with further disruptions. Opening windows as the outside temperatures plummet is not a good enough plan to keep people safe. Investing in building ventilation is the key in helping to keep us all safe and healthy.
Do you have an adequate ventilation strategy in place? At MAPUK we can help and advise you on the best ways to improve air ventilation in the social spaces where you work, rest and play. To find out more email: info@mapuk.com
About the author
Barry Hobday is the Director at Motorised Air Products (MAPUK). With the help of innovative research, MAPUK and its associated suppliers are committed to using pioneering product design and technology to provide unique solutions in air ventilation.