COVID-19 and the critical part (IAQ) Indoor Air Quality plays in an enclosed environment.

As the infection rate from the COVID-19 virus increase by the day, so as the focus on (IAQ) Indoor Air Quality is being highlighted during this time. The spotlight now turns to indoor environments and how everyone will feel safe in an enclosed air-conditioned space.

The Invisible Enemy

In the past, indoor air pollution in offices caused by toxic substances like asbestos, formaldehyde, and airborne dust particle circulation has always been a concern with regards to IAQ. So little has been done to even consider the more immediate health threats like bacteria and viruses until today.

In the past, if one falls sick with a cold or the flu, most employees may catch it especially those with lower immune systems. The solution is if you are sick take a leave so you will not spread the virus in the office to infect others. For years even after past epidemics, it seems like nothing is being done to prevent this occurrence. In 2020 with a more potent and deadly coronavirus, things have changed, and we need to do something fast.

Possible Solutions

Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been combating (HAI) Hospital Associated Infections ever since there has been a spike on deaths caused by viral infections on medical facilities. They have used a combination of direct and indirect UV technology to eliminate the source of these HAI’s. Robotic UV cleaners are used to directly disinfect surfaces quickly, while germicidal irradiation is used to eliminate airborne pathogens in the atmosphere, either via the HVAC system or by medical-grade air purifiers installed in walls and light fixtures.

The LumenAire™ Approach

*According to the (AGT) American Green Technology, The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends Pressure, Filtration, Purification, and Dilution is required to neutralize 99% of airborne pathogens.

LumenAire™ means it uses Light + Air to reduce the risk of being infected by airborne pathogens. Nature has its way of dealing with these micro-organisms by allowing the power of the Sun’s UV light to eliminate dangerous viruses and bacteria from the air and use the same principle indoors. 

A shielded UVGI chamber does not allow the UVC light to touch the skin and eyes, therefore is safe to use on occupied spaces.

This new product aims to upgrade the old methodology using the latest technology to streamline the design and make it more effective and efficient. Future variants with IOT and Sensing functionalities will be out in the market in the near future. 

Check out the LumenAire™ website HERE.

The Foreseeable Future

It is all over the news and social media that the current virus situation will change mankind moving forward.

New technologies, methodologies, habits, and business will crop up. In the Architecture and Building design space, we foresee the emergence of more technologies related to ensuring Indoor Air Quality is a top priority, more of a necessity than a luxury.

After the world has overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone will be more aware that there is another important element around us to consider. Besides the comforts of air-conditioning and the need for light, indoor space should require an air purification solution to safeguard our health and ensure that a pandemic of this magnitude can be avoided in the future.