Author: Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Looking for an air purifier that inactivates viruses and removes pollutants? Don’t just tick the box.

Looking for an air purifier that inactivates viruses and removes pollutants? Don’t just tick the box.

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

If you’re setting up a new office or looking to upgrade your facilities after the pandemic, it’s likely an air purifier will be high on your list. The coronavirus crisis has added a new dimension to health and safety in the workplace, and building managers and owners know that keeping your staff safe is a top priority.

However, those in charge of choosing the unit should be wary of box ticking. You need to be confident that the air purifier you choose fulfils it’s purpose. Many air purification companies will make bold claims, and later down the line, you’ll end up with little more than a high-tech-looking box. Here’s why.

Air purifiers aren’t plug and play

Despite claims made by many retailers, you can’t just mount an air purifier on the wall and have clean air for ever more. The effectiveness of the unit depends on various factors, which an experienced engineer should assess. These equations are relatively complex and doing them yourself risks the unit not working as it should.

For example, an engineer will calculate the air flow in the space. This is an important metric that can substantially affect the functioning of the air purifier. If the air flow is faster than the recommended metric, the dwell time in the UVC purification chamber will be shorter. If the amount of time the air is exposed is below this recommendation, it won’t be fully purified. The same principle applies to room size. If the area is too large, then the purifier will be working at sub-optimum levels.

When looking to inactivate viruses, the quality and placement of UVC is VERY important. Many products that use UVC simply don’t have the quality to perform as described and UVC can be very dangerous if not used correctly. When choosing your air purification supplier, always ask for information and evidence about the quality and placement of UVC.

Equally, the crucial parts of the air purifier don’t have an infinite life and this lifespan will depend on usage. Many manufacturers recommend that you change the UVC lamp in your purifier every 6-12 months, but this completely depends on usage and relies on you to keep track. Be aware that there are factors that mean the bulb could deteriorate faster. Again, this will result in sub-optimal functioning and impure air.

Why Rejuvenair is different

Rejuvenair understands the importance of expert installation. The process begins with a site visit from one of our engineers who will complete an air safety report. With this information, they’ll determine how many units should be installed and where. Once the order is placed, the team will attend the site for installation and talk you through the key components and how to use the app. Clear signage will also be used to communicate that your building is protected as well as offering information about how staff or customers can check the quality and safety of the air.

Rejuvenair also understands that maintenance is critical – and service most certainly shouldn’t stop at the sale. This is why the app is such a unique part of our offering. With this handy tool, you can monitor the quality of the air, the health of your unit and keep up-to-date with any maintenance alerts. This app also communicates with our team, so that we can assist with repairs and part replacements in record time. 

That way, with Rejuvenair, you get so much more than a box – you get a whole support team by your side for the duration of service. Click here to learn more about the Rejuvenair app. 

Breathing exercises. Do they work?

Breathing exercises. Do they work?

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Those that advocate for breathing exercises, or “breathwork”, swear by it. According to enthusiasts, it can relieve stress, help with depression, enhance sleep, boost energy, and ease respiratory conditions, among other benefits. There are plenty of books with titles like The Power of Breathwork, Breathe Well and Breathing for Warriors, alongside a raft of YouTube tutorials and apps that coach people through breathing.

All that said, many of us breathe all day without pause for thought. Our 23,000 breaths a day pass in and out of our bodies without much thought, so do these claims have any scientific basis? Can breathing really improve our health? You might be surprised to learn that research suggests that in fact, it’s not all a lot of hot air.

Alleviating stress and anxiety

Most people who practice breathing exercises do it to manage stress and anxiety. The NHS website suggests diaphragm breathing to calm the nerves. This suggestion isn’t unfounded. For example, one study on a group of Indian medical students who undertook a six-week course of pranayama breathing exercises reported lower levels of anxiety compared to a control group.

This evidence isn’t only anecdotal; it can also be empirically measured. A study published in 2017 found that a group of 20 Chinese IT workers had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva after undergoing eight weeks of diaphragm breathing sessions.

Breathwork for clinical conditions

Perhaps even more intriguing is the evidence to suggest that breathing exercises could help with certain medical conditions. For example, there is strong evidence to support the use of breathing exercises for asthma sufferers. A British study conducted in 2018 found that quality of life ratings were higher for patients who practiced breathing exercises compared to the control group. 

According to Mike Thomas, a professor of primary care at the University of Southampton, the results were achieved when trained physiotherapists or doctors supervised the exercises. There is also early evidence to suggest this could help patients with COVID-19. In April 2020, a London doctor recorded a video advising patients to take two sets of five deep breaths followed by a big cough, before lying on their fronts and breathing deeply. Patients reported results, but more studies are needed.

Breathe better with better air

Many people undoubtedly benefit from breathwork. Scientists indicate that there could be potential for more mainstream use in both physical and psychological integrative therapies. However, more research is needed. Experts encourage people to enter into these practices with a level head; according to Professor Thomas, “What one has to do is look at these claims with a sceptical eye; do proper scientific studies to show whether or not it works?”

One thing we do know for sure is that the quality of the air we breathe impacts our health. Exercises can alleviate stress, anxiety and respiratory symptoms, but most concrete clinical benefits come from breathing clean air. Pollutants can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and other conditions, and eliminating these particles has been shown to alleviate symptoms. This is why Rejuvenair is passionate about clean air – so we can all breathe easy.  

Ozone. What is it and why is it dangerous?

Ozone. What is it and why is it dangerous?

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It occurs naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere, namely in the ozone layer, and at ground level. Ozone can be good or bad, depending on where it is. Stratospheric ozone, which comprises the ozone layer, shields us from the sun’s damaging UV rays. You’re probably familiar with the concept from the news of the “hole” in the ozone layer, which was created by pollution.

At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant that’s the main ingredient in smog. Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This happens when fumes emitted by vehicles and industry react with sunlight. 

Ozone can harm human health, inflaming the lungs with particularly adverse effects for people with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma. However, ozone can be generated by other sources – some of which may be in your home or workplace.

Dangerous ozone levels in the UK

According to a report published last year in the Financial Times, ozone pollution reached potentially harmful levels in British towns and cities every day in 2018. An analysis of data from the Met Office discovered that there were 965 “moderate pollution days” in 61 cities across the nation. A shocking 85% of these were caused by high concentrations of ground-level ozone.

These concentrations exceeded the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 100 micrograms per cubic metre, on average, over eight hours. The worst affected towns were Aldershot and Cambridge, which suffered 32 days of dangerous ozone levels, followed by Bournemouth, Reading and Slough, which had 31.

Ozone generated by appliances

Ozone exposure isn’t only a risk outdoors. There are certain appliances that create ozone and these items can create concentrations of ozone comparable to smog. Some of the worst culprits are, ironically, air purifiers. Ozone-generating and ionic air purifiers are particularly problematic and can produce dangerous levels of ozone.

With ozone-generating air purifiers, this is because it’s what they’re designed to do. There is some method in the madness; ozone is very effective for disinfecting water and some companies have applied the same principle to air. However, this is deeply misguided and these devices should be avoided at all costs. 

According to research by the University of California, Irvine, the ozone concentration you need to destroy germs and pollutants is so high you cannot safely use these devices. For example, in a small bathroom, the UCI researchers found that one ozone-generating purifier took just half an hour to build up ozone to a smog level that would prompt local authorities to close schools if it was detected in a city’s air.

Rejuvenair is ozone free

Rejuvenair is fully invested in clean, healthy air. That’s why our design emits absolutely no ozone, using only high-grade HEPA-13 filters and UVC light technology to purify the air. Together, these tools eliminate 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and pollutants indoors. Click here to learn more about the science.

Every breath you take. Why air quality matters.

Every breath you take. Why air quality matters.

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

The average person takes approximately 672,768,000 breaths in their life. That’s about 16 breaths per minute, or 960 an hour, 23,040 a day, or 8,409,600 a year. This can vary depending on how active you are; if you go on a daily jog, it could be very well over the average. Naturally, if you live longer, it’ll also be more.

The air circulating through our bodies is vital to their functioning, and subsequently, has a significant impact on our health. Our daily lives expose us to a variety of pollutants depending on our location, lifestyles and jobs. Outdoor air affects the quality of indoor air, and much air indoors contains more pollutants than we may realise. Assessing air quality in these environments is, therefore, essential to our overall well-being.

So what factors affect air quality? And what impact are they having on our health? And, perhaps most importantly, what action can we take?

The impact of outdoor air quality

If you say the words “air quality”, most people will think of outdoor air quality. Various pollution sources impact the air outdoors, causing a build-up of harmful substances. You might be surprised to learn that some of these are natural and unavoidable; for example, in the event of a wildfire. However, the vast majority of harmful pollutants are as a result of the burning of fossil fuels.

One of the most harmful pollutants is particulate matter, or PM. Inhaling PM can have a substantial effect on the heart and lungs, and according to research, plays a significant role in mortality in the general population. This damage occurs throughout life; long-term exposure impairs lung growth in children, while in adults, evidence suggests that PM accelerates the decline of lung function in later life.

Why indoor air quality could be even more important

However, indoor air quality could be having an even more substantial impact on our health. This is because today, we spend the majority of our time indoors: at home, work, in shops, or in vehicles. Outdoor air quality has a knock-on effect on indoor air quality, as open windows and doors allow PMs and other pollutants to circulate and collect. Even so, there are many and sometimes potent sources of pollution indoors, including fumes from cleaning products, mould spores, VOCs, and formaldehyde. 

Drivers associated with climate change are also putting increasing pressure on maintaining good air quality inside buildings. In some sense, this is a double-edged sword. While many people choose to keep windows and doors shut to conserve heat and energy, this leads to reduced ventilation. Subsequently, there is a greater build-up of these hazardous indoor pollutants.

What’s the solution to poor air quality?

It goes without saying that climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time. Radically cutting greenhouse gas emissions is essential to improving outdoor air quality and saving lives. Improving outdoor air quality will also impact the air we breathe inside, as fewer PMs and CO2 will flow and circulate indoors.Meanwhile, there are other things we can do to maintain the quality of air indoors. Maintenance of good ventilation is key, as is monitoring pollutant levels and aligning with government standards. Advanced air purification technology will play a key role in this goal. With technology like Rejuvenair, building owners and managers can maintain the cleanest possible air with UVC technology and HEPA filters that eliminate 99.99% of pollutants, including PMs. Click here to learn more.

Mould. The different types you need to know.

Mould. The different types you need to know.

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

If you own or manage a commercial property, there’s no doubt you have a lengthy to-do list to keep your building in good condition. While much building maintenance involves things clear to the naked eye – or indeed ear or nose – there are some things that are more difficult to keep on top of. One such issue is mould.

Occasionally, you can, of course, see a mould growth. However, it’s the ones that you can’t see that are likely to cause the most significant problems. If mould builds up in heating, water, or ventilation systems, it can pose a serious health risk. Mould comes in many different forms, and while all should be taken care of, some are more of an issue than others.

Cladosporium

While the average mould tends to thrive in warm, moist environments, cladosporium can take up residence in drier, cooler climates. Generally, it’s found on the gaskets of coolers and glass or ceramic surfaces. This is a particular issue in kitchens, where it can spoil perishables. Although it’s not the most dangerous variety, it can have adverse effects for asmatics.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is the most common variety of indoor mould. It can grow in surprising places, such as the cloth binding of books, cardboard boxes, pressed wood, or leather. Although common, it’s a highly toxic species, posing a serious risk to pets and immunocompromised people.

Alernia

This variety of mould is most commonly associated with mould allergies. Those with an intolerance to this species will get watery eyes, congested nasal passages, and sneezing fits if they inhale the spores. Although primarily found outdoors, it can get carried into buildings on clothes, shoes, and through open windows and doors.

Penicillium

If you think the name of this mould variety sounds familiar, you’d be right – it’s the same thing that Louis Pasteur cultivated to make penicillin. However, left unchecked, this mould does a lot more harm than good. It’s a variety of black mould that can spoil food, dirty installations, and cause serious illness. Wherever it’s found, it should be taken care of.

Stachybotrys

Another common type of black mould is Stachybotrys. This variety propagates on fibrous surfaces like paper and wood when there is moisture present. It can cause a range of non-specific health issues, not to mention looking particularly unsightly.

Fusarium

This is a variety of mould most commonly found in plant debris and soil. However, it can also colonise in very damp areas of buildings, such as inside drywall, under carpets, or inside humidifier pans and HVAC systems. Although rare, exposure to the spores can lead to a serious eye infection called fusarium keratitis.

Protect building users from mould

Building managers should perform regular inspections in those hard-to-reach areas to ensure a mould problem isn’t developing. Equally, qualified experts such as HVAC engineers or building services consultants can carry out thorough checks. In between these inspections, you can protect occupants from mould spores with air purifiers. Find out how Rejuvenair can keep your property mould spore-free here.  

Is pollen impacting your employee productivity?

Is pollen impacting your employee productivity?

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Allergies affect about one in three people in the United Kingdom, which is roughly 20 million of us. Interestingly, allergies are the most common chronic disorder in children, affecting up to 40% of all under 18s. One of the most common in both age groups is seasonal allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever.

One in four people in the UK suffers from hay fever. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to particulate matter, the most common being pollen. Reactions can also be caused by dust mites, dust and pet dander (fur, feathers, saliva, etc. shed by animals). The condition is classified as incurable by the NHS, and every year, millions of people in the UK have to navigate hay fever.

Many resort to taking antihistamines to manage their reactions. However, these medications can have some unpleasant side effects, including lethargy and headaches. Equally, some fairly alarming findings were published in The Guardian a few years ago indicating that these over-the-counter drugs could have a more serious impact on our health.

Homoeopathic approaches to hayfever treatment

But, as pollen season wears on, how can hay fever sufferers manage their symptoms? A common traditional remedy is a saline nasal spray, which alleviates pressure in the nasal passages. Advocates of homeopathic medicine also recommend essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus. Applied to the temples, the aroma can clear blocked passages and soothe sinus pressure.

Nutritionists also report that changes in diet can alleviate symptoms. Studies suggest that people that eat trans oleic acid, which largely occurs in dairy and red meat, are three times more likely to suffer hay fever symptoms. Others think it’s all about timing; for example, leaving outdoor workouts until the evening when pollen counts are lower.

Equally, some have sung the praises of Himalayan salt lamps. Purportedly, these objects remove dust, dander and other particulate matter from the air, therefore reducing allergy symptoms. However, these items do have a certain aesthetic sensibility that may be inappropriate in office environments. 

A science-led solution

Indoors at least, there is one statistically proven approach. Air purifiers remove pollen and other airborne particles from the atmosphere, creating a more comfortable environment for the one in four of us that suffer from hayfever. This could have a remarkable impact on productivity in workplaces; currently, estimates suggest that allergic rhinitis costs the economy £7.1 billion every year.

Rejuvenair units could really make the difference for hay fever sufferers. This technology uses H13 HEPA and military-grade UVGI filters together to eliminate up to 99.9% of particles in spaces up to 60m2. This doesn’t stop at pollen and pet dander; it’s also been proven to remove viruses and bacteria from the air, including H1N1 and COVID-19.

Air purification has benefits far beyond the elimination of pollen. With the potential to remove all sorts of pathogens from the air, imagine the productivity we could recover – not to mention the comfort and happiness of employees. As we enter into a new era of health-consciousness in the workplace, air purifiers are the scientifically proven solution.

Raising awareness around the causes of lung cancer

Raising awareness around the causes of lung cancer

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Yesterday was World Lung Cancer Day. Started by the European Respiratory Society (ERS), 1st August was chosen as a date to raise awareness around a condition that affects 47,000 people every yearin the UK. Around 35,100 of these lung cancer patients will, tragically, go on to die. That’s 96 deaths every day. 

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for almost a quarter of all cancer deaths. This makes combatting lung cancer is one of the most urgent projects in medical research. With the potential to save many thousands of lives, raising awareness around its causes and finding treatments is vitally important. 

Avoid tobacco smoke (that includes non-smokers)

Research suggests that about 85% of the lung cancer cases in men in the UK are attributable to smoking. In women, the figure is about 80%. Many of these diagnoses could be prevented by quitting smoking. If you stop smoking before cancer develops, the damaged lung tissue gradually repairs itself. No matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting may help you live longer.

However, it’s not only smokers that are at risk of developing lung cancer from tobacco smoke. Non-smokers that are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20–30%. According to estimates, passive smoking causes more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths in the US every year.

Other risks in the air we breathe

There are other ways we can passively inhale cancer-causing agents. There is now overwhelming evidence to suggest that particle pollution from vehicle exhausts and industrial sources can cause lung cancer. It can also interfere with the growth and function of the lungs, as well as cause chronic conditions like asthma.

There are also risks indoors. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 17% of lung cancer deaths globally are attributable to exposure to carcinogens indoors. Many of these carcinogens are caused by the fuel used for simple household tasks like cooking. Equally, according to new research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, fumes from household cleaning products can cause as much damage to your lungs as smoking.

What can be done?

Researchers are investigating how we can effectively treat and prevent lung cancer. Of course, discouraging smoking is essential, as has been known for decades now. Another time-honoured approach is encouraging healthier diets and lifestyles to counteract carcinogenic agents.

However, there are more innovative approaches emerging. Scientists are investigating the possibility of a vaccine, similar to that developed for the cancer-causing HPV virus. With an immunotherapeutic approach, it’s possible that we can combat the agents that contribute to tumour growth.

We can also do more to care for the air we breathe. Tackling climate change is essential to this objective. Meanwhile, indoors, with filtration technology like that offered by Rejuvenair, we can improve conditions. Either way, fighting cancer is a collaborative project and we need to keep innovating together to save lives. 

UVC filters: Make sure you’re getting the real thing

UVC filters: Make sure you’re getting the real thing

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

We’ve spent much time singing the praises of UVC light filtration. Germicidal UVC filters are one of the most effective ways to eliminate micro-organisms and other harmful particulate matter from the air. These filters can be installed in air conditioning systems, fitted as ceiling lamps to decontaminate unoccupied rooms, as mobile units, or integrated into air filtration systems.

There is a wealth of information about UVC online which is increasing daily and as interest in the technology continues to grow, it can be confusing to know the difference between types of UVC available and which will suit your needs best.

UVC air filters are used to dramatically reduce exposure to viruses, bacteria, mould, and pollutants. This makes any given public space a far safer, healthier place to be – which is an issue of particular concern as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. However, this is only the case if you can be confident that the UVC air filtration unit you’ve purchased is up to the job. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because a product uses UVC, this means automatic protection, it doesn’t. There are many serious factors to consider.

This is why we wanted to write a short article introducing the type of UVC lamps used in Rejuvenair units. 

Our lamps are provided by the only manufacturer in the world whose product passes governmental and academic standards. This is one of the things that makes Rejuvenair air filtration units unique. We’ll explain more.

Medical-grade UVC technology

The lamps were tested by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Homeland Security to verify their fitness for use in medical contexts. The EPA provides unbiased, third-party performance information that can supplement sales literature. 

The EPA independently verified that the lamps Rejuvenair uses deliver an average of six times the output of other ultraviolet devices on the market under HVAC operating conditions. According to their report, these lamps achieved 99.96 % destruction in a single pass on airborne bacteria, 99% on viruses and 96% on spores.

The results were so convincing that the same units have been approved for use by NATO, and the British Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy. This type of UVC germicidal lamp is deployed in settings where there may be a risk of Ebola, tuberculosis, or other potentially lethal pathogens. 

Peer-review and independently verified

The lamps used by Rejuvenair have also been tested and peer-reviewed in academic journals. As part of a study published in the Journal of Perinatology, the panel concluded that when fitted as part of an HVAC system, microbial contamination was substantially reduced. This particular study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit, where they were exploring ways to reduce instances of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients.

The study monitored the ongoing health of the ward’s occupants. Throughout the trial period, not only were VAP cases reduced but doctors and nurses reported a reduction in the need for antibiotics. Although further randomised trials were recommended, the results were certainly compelling. 

Quality you can trust

It’s independent testing and trials like those discussed here that make these particular UVC lamps the only product of their kind that is endorsed by The Infection Prevention Society. No other germicidal UVC lamp can make this claim – and that’s what makes the technology unique. 

Combined with these ultra effective, world class UVC lamps, state of the art engineering and the latest Internet of Things technology, Rejuvenair ensures that the air in the room is clean, fresh, and safe. Providing airflow at a standard rate, Rejuvenair units pass air through the UVC chamber at the optimal rate for killing the microorganisms that cause respiratory illness. 

Ultimately, if it’s good enough for the MoD, imagine what it could do for the health of your employees and visitors to your building. Click here to learn more about the science behind Rejuvenair.

Avoidable illness and productivity losses: Is there a solution?

Avoidable illness and productivity losses: Is there a solution?

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

According to research by British private health insurance firm Vitality Health, the UK economy loses a staggering £77.5 billion annually due to staff sickness. This accounts for almost a month of lost productivity per staff member, per year – and that was even before COVID-19 and the subsequent “pingdemic”.

But what can business owners and managers do to make their workplaces healthier? Most spend a sizable amount on cleaning and maintenance, but beyond a well-bleached toilet, what can reasonably be done? After all, many sick days or productivity losses are a result of chronic conditions, like hay fever or dust allergies.

The solution may lie in the air we breathe.

The impact of indoor air quality

Viruses and bacteria are easier to spread indoors. As we’ve learned from the coronavirus pandemic, pathogens reach higher concentrations in poorly ventilated areas. This is also the case for other irritants like dust, pollen and pollution, or more dangerous still, mould. These particles are linked to conditions like hay fever, asthma, or in the case of mould, Legionnaire’s disease – which is extremely serious. 

Aside from the obvious symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection, poor indoor air quality can cause other uncomfortable symptoms. The British Lung Foundation lists a dry throat, cough, itchy and runny eyes, a runny nose and inflamed, swollen sinuses – none of which are conducive to a comfortable working environment.

The reality is, you may be exposed to more pollution indoors than out; according to research, you’re exposed to more PM2.5 cooking an omelette than standing at a London roadside. Equally, when it comes to respiratory health, cleaning products could be doing more harm than good. For instance, certain compounds in bleach such as chlorine can irritate and damage the respiratory tract.

The case for improvement beyond sick days

There’s no doubt that £77.5 billion is an enormous amount of money. However, the case for clean air at work isn’t just about sick days. Healthy staff are happy staff, who ultimately, work better. Besides, low morale has been shown to be far more damaging than time taken off. According to Gallup, disengaged employees cost American businesses up to $550 billion a year in lost productivity.

Demonstrating that you care about your staff’s health is important to making them feel valued. A report from the American Psychological Association found that feeling valued at work was linked to better physical and mental health, along with higher levels of engagement, satisfaction and motivation. Addressing indoor air quality is a strategy that’s effective on both levels – not just a material difference, but to show staff that you care. 

The solution for cleaner indoor air 

Rejuvenair recognises the value of clean air indoors. This isn’t only to prevent the spread of pathogens like COVID-19; it’s also to enhance building users’ overall health and well-being. This could account for significant gains in productivity, not just by keeping employees healthy but keeping them happy. 

Rejuvenair air filtration technology uses UVC germicidal filters coupled with highly effective HEPA-13 filters. These components inactivate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the atmosphere while filtering out larger pathogens that are detrimental to respiratory health. To learn more about the science, click here.

Is your ventilation system doing more harm than good?

Is your ventilation system doing more harm than good?

Posted on by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Even before COVID, ventilation systems were our first line of defence against airborne pathogens. As authorities continue to emphasise, ventilation is an important weapon in our quest to control the spread of the virus. This is because harmful particles diffuse faster in well-ventilated spaces, reducing the chance of contagion. 

To help visualise this concept, imagine a plume of smoke from a cigarette. When the smoke is exhaled, you can see the plume. The more that is air circulating, the faster the plume will dissipate. For instance, compare how quickly cigarette smoke disappears on a train station platform as opposed to in a crowded pub (when smoking was legal in those contexts!).

Mechanical ventilation systems serve to increase airflow in spaces where it’s not possible to open windows. Many sophisticated systems will also include filtration devices. However, it is essential that these components are working properly – or they could do more harm than good.

The impact of poor design

Recently, researchers released an interesting study on the impact of poor ventilation and the spread of COVID-19 in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China. In brief, the air conditioning system was really, really badly designed, despite it being quite powerful.

The system was installed in a fairly large space. The fan was on one end, pushing air towards the building and then, on the same fan, returning the air. In essence, the air was being pushed out briefly and then sucked back in. As a result, it wasn’t being filtered. 

This problem was further compounded by the occupancy of the restaurant. As a high-density setting, the chance of infection was increased. This is because infected people generate particles that are carrying a virus, and with low ventilation and poor filtration, the particles accumulate – like a cloud of cigarette smoke indoors. The result is a high risk of contagion.

A properly designed ventilation system would have different inlet and exhaust ends to ensure filtration. The fan or the motor would move the air, then the filter would trap contaminants before the air is re-introduced into the room. 

Invest in an efficient HVAC system 

Many landlords and building managers are thinking about how they can improve their ventilation as we return to some semblance of normality. Some are considering retrofits of new components – but it’s very important to have a proper understanding of how these parts work.

For instance, HEPA filters are some of the most efficient air filtration products on the market. However, because a HEPA filter is so efficient, it can be harder to pull air through. Therefore, the motor has to be up to the job, which is why not all units can be retrofitted with this kit. With the cost of installing a new motor, it could very well be worth getting a new system altogether.

Rejuvenair units are fitted with high-grade HEPA-13 filters and the power to pull air through. With a second line of defence from UVC air purification technology, Rejuevnair ensures the air in public spaces is as clean, pure and safe as possible. Plus, an initial consultation, air safety report, sensors that feed real time information to a dedicated smart app and ongoing support from our expert team, you can be confident it’s always working as it should be. Learn more here.