Georgina Williams-Hodgson – Page 4

Author: Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Happy Earth Day! For cleaner air and a cleaner planet

Posted on 22/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

As the new year marches on, COVID-19 is still in the headlines and at the forefront of our minds. Since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic, we’ve begun to pay closer attention to the quality of the air we breathe, indoors and out. Certainly, the vaccination programme signals a return to “normal” life, but assuring people buildings are healthy and safe will be key to enticing them back to workplaces and public spaces.

Moreover, this strategy is key to a sustainability strategy for healthy buildings. This is why today, on Earth Day, we’re discussing how pollution affects indoor air quality and what we can do to ensure ventilation systems aren’t contributing to the problem we’re trying to fix. Let’s take a closer look.

The link between healthy indoor air and outdoor air

Outdoor pollution has a significant impact on indoor air quality. It is vitally important that we work to reduce air pollution, as currently, research suggests that contamination from power plants and vehicles caused 8.7 million deaths in 2018 alone. For scale, that’s almost three times as many deaths as COVID-19 has caused, at the time of writing.

But what does this have to do with ventilation systems? Surely they’re there to ensure the air is fresh? The fact is, the majority of ventilation systems operate like the human body – they draw in air and remove it according to the volume, speed, and rate of exchange by the mechanical or natural system. As such, ventilation systems bring outdoor air in. According to a study conducted by the WELL Building Institute, 65% of exposure to air pollution occurs inside – which is a staggering statistic.

The consequences of poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality is comprised of several elements, the most concerning being particulate matter. Particulate matter is a mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets. Inhaling particulate matter can lead to various health problems, from respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 to poor immunity.

Poor indoor air quality can also affect our energy levels and general well-being. In a study conducted in California, researchers found that student attendance and performance fell in poorly ventilated classrooms. Equally, the WELL Building Institute found that poor air quality in workplaces reduced employee productivity by 10%.

Ensuring healthy indoor air for all

To create healthier, more sustainable buildings, we need to factor in the indoor air quality at the design stage. This means using sustainable solutions for ducts, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for new constructions and renovations. This is because poorly designed HVAC systems can get mouldy, generating dangerous particulate matter.

To enhance indoor air safety, organisations can should look into air purifiers. These units – such as those offered by Rejuvenair – filter the air circulated by the HVAC system. With UVC technology, these purifiers kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air. Used in conjunction with HVAC systems, these purifiers can extend the life and efficiency of systems as mould and other particulate matter can’t accumulate.

Moreover, the frequency of the UCV light means the unit doesn’t produce ozone, ensuring it doesn’t worsen the problem it’s trying to counteract. Together, these elements make for a more hygienic and efficient system – for cleaner air and a cleaner planet.

The art of communication and how it changed during the pandemic

Posted on 21/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

When the COVID-19 crisis began, we had to change the way we communicated seemingly overnight. This was vital to controlling the spread of the disease; it meant shifting from in-person interactions to online. Suddenly, meetings and socialising were conducted exclusively via technology, whether it be by video call, phone, text or email.

As the pandemic retreated (but then came roaring back, as we all know too well), face-to-face communication changed too. Now, we’ll often wear face coverings in public places. This too dramatically changes our style of communication, and certainly, it will take time to adapt as this ‘new normal’ is set to persist.

Adaptation in a challenging environment

Communication is a fine art at the best of times. However, in the midst of a crisis, emotional responses can add an extra layer of difficulty. It can take a great deal of effort to facilitate clear lines of communication and mitigate misunderstandings. After the year we’ve had, the time is now to be as flexible when it comes to how we express ourselves. We need to be as compassionate and kind as possible.

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Cheryl Dixon, an adjunct professor in communications at Columbia University and New York University noted that more than 90% of communication is nonverbal. Moreover, it’s been shown we trust body language more than verbal expressions. Naturally, when these cues are reduced, we feel less comfortable and communication can become stilted.

Video conferencing means we lose certain aspects of body language. Equally, when we’re wearing masks, our ability to express ourselves through facial expressions is limited. We’ve said we have to be patient; but what are the more tangible measures we can take?

Moving forward in the ‘new normal’

Primarily, we need to stop comparing how we used to communicate to the present; living in the past always prevents progress. We’re finding ourselves in a completely new era, where we need to be creative and open. This means slowing down, reflecting and taking stock in a highly emotional time.

To make conversations smoother and more productive – while, paradoxically, slowing things down – psychologists recommend follow-up chats. If you think the other person may have misinterpreted you, you can clarify your intentions via a call or text. In times like these, it’s OK to over-communicate, even if you’re a naturally shy person.

This is part and parcel of stepping up communication in general. In a world of video calling and mask-wearing, signals that allowed people to read between the lines have disappeared. This means we need to put in a little bit of extra effort, which goes hand-in-hand with being compassionate. By communicating your feelings as well as your ideas, you can make sure you get the whole message across.

We’re all in it together

Looking out for each other is essential as we move towards a post-pandemic world. We all went to extraordinary lengths to keep everyone safe during the crisis, and now, we need to maintain this spirit. This is why compassion is key to communication in the new normal. As we emerge from the crisis we need to keep caring, especially for those that may feel anxious or vulnerable now restrictions are being lifted. It’s good to talk – so let’s keep lines of communication open.

Congratulations to the hospitality industry – here’s what lies ahead

Posted on 19/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

We made it! The fated date of 12th April has been and gone, meaning that the nation’s pubs, restaurants and bars are open for outdoor trading. The next major step will happen on 17th May, when we’ll be allowed inside again. The April date was scheduled back in February when Boris Johnson announced his “roadmap to recovery”. This timetable was confirmed after advisers were satisfied that reopening schools didn’t have a severe impact on case numbers.

These restrictions have been relaxed nationally. In a speech on Easter Monday, the Prime Minister said: “I want to thank you all again for your patience because it is really clear now that this is paying off. And it is your collective efforts, our collective efforts, that has given us that crucial time and space to vaccinate more than 31 million people.”

Let’s hope that things continue on the right track. Here, we’ll look at the current state of play for the hospitality industry, what the rules are for the key dates to come, and how we can keep customers safe.

Britain’s pubs and restaurants: Where we’re at

On Monday 12th April the UK’s hospitality industry reopened its doors once again – or rather, outside space. In this initial phase of easing, outdoor tables must be spaced in line with social distancing guidelines, with the ‘rule of six’ applying. Alternatively, if there are more than six people meeting, they can’t comprise more than two households. There’s no curfew and no requirement to eat while drinking, doing away with the “substantial meal” conundrum.

So far, so good; after this first week of easing, the public seems to have, by and large, behaved themselves. Sure enough, everyone is relieved to be back down the pub, so customers and business owners alike will be anxious to ensure we can progress to the next stage.

Looking to the future: What we can expect

Just under a month from now will be the next stage of lockdown-lifting, providing case numbers remain low. On 17th May, pubs and restaurants can reopen for indoor dining and drinking, however, the rule of six or no more than two households will still apply. Equally, hotels will be allowed to open.

However, the big date is 21st June. This is when all restrictions can be lifted, providing the government’s vaccination programme meets expectations. Nightclubs can open, live events will return, and wedding venues will receive advice about numbers. With regard to largescale gatherings like festivals and sporting fixtures, the government will assess the outcome of the Events Research Programme. This will involve a series of pilots using enhanced testing approaches and other measures to run larger events.

What’s still up in the air

One thing that remains unclear is whether or not restaurants, pubs and bars will require a so-called ‘COVID passport’ for entry. This potential COVID-status certification scheme will apply to mass gatherings and indoor events, such as football matches and nightclubs. Naturally, some MPs are concerned about the implications of such a scheme when it comes to civil liberties – so we’ll see how this unfolds.

Meanwhile, pubs, bars and restaurants should remain vigilant and do what they can to ensure we remain on the right path. This means enforcing rules, maintaining hygiene, and looking into extra measures, like air purification. Together we can keep up the good work and keep a brighter summer on the horizon.

Is UVC Air purification the key to avoiding another UK lockdown?

Posted on 13/04/202105/04/2022 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

It is widely recognised and agreed that UVC is the type of UV light that is the most effective in destroying viruses and bacteria. When exposed for a long enough time, a pathogen is torn apart by the UVC at a molecular level, preventing it from completing the processes it needs to in order to survive.

Not all UV air purifiers are created equal

Lots of products featuring UV lamps will make ‘purifying’ claims. Certainly, the entire UV spectrum has some capacity to kill or inactivate species of microorganism. This isn’t to suggest the entire UV spectrum has a blanket effect on germs and bacteria. In fact, there are many variables when it comes to the germicide capacity of UV lamps – which is why you need to have your wits about you when selecting a UV ‘purifier’.

Really, it’s only UVC that has the capacity to fully sterilise the air. The frequency of UVC light alters the structure and the molecular bonds of microorganisms’ DNA. DNA is, in essence, a “blueprint” viruses and bacteria use to develop, function and reproduce. By destroying the organism’s ability to replicate itself, it is rendered harmless. After UVC exposure, the organism dies off leaving no offspring and the population of the microorganism diminishes rapidly. This is the case for all viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19.

However, passing air through a UVC lamp doesn’t automatically mean that it is totally sterilized. One of the most important factors is the dwell time, which we’ll begin with here. Then, we’ll move on to other things you need to bear in mind before purchasing your unit, namely, ozone production.

The importance of dwell time

As introduced, UVC light can kill COVID-19m which is why there are so many new businesses and patent applications popping up with purifying claims. However, many of these promises aren’t backed by the necessary rigour. In reality, UVC is just one aspect of an effective air purifier. A crucial factor is dwell time, which in other words, is how long the air is exposed to the UVC light.

For the coronavirus to be inactivated, it needs to be exposed to UVC radiation for 0.657 seconds. However, this dwell time is dependent on a number of factors. Primarily, there has to be a 440mm clear distance in the UVC chamber, where the emitters are located. If the distance is any less, this reduces the exposure time, thus lessening the effect of the radiation.

Secondly, this calculation assumes the lamp is new; a UVC tube at the end of its life will need 1.095 seconds to fully purify the air. Equally, the lamp will need to emit at least 1056 microwatts, assuming the airspeed is 2 m/s. However, the wattage will need to be adjusted if the airspeed is higher or lower. As is evident, quality equipment and expert engineers are essential; fitting any old unit with UVC on the label is unlikely to achieve the desired results.

Does the unit emit ozone?

UV light disrupts the DNA/RNA of microorganisms – and that means it can disrupt our cellular structure too. Therefore, UV needs to be handled with extreme caution and units need to have the appropriate design to prevent exposure. However, there are other important safety features to take into account, perhaps most importantly, the production of ozone.

Ozone is the molecule O3. Ozone is dangerous as when inhaled, it can cause lung damage. Even small quantities can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and irritation in the throat. It can be particularly harmful to those that suffer from chronic respiratory disease like asthma. It can also compromise the ability of the immune system to fight respiratory infections.

A UV lamp ‘tuned’ to 185nm can create ozone from oxygen (O2) by disrupting the molecule and splitting it into two oxygen atoms, which in turn, attempt to attach to another oxygen molecule. This third oxygen atom creates ozone (O3). Therefore, it is essential that the unit is tuned outside of the ozone range. For example, Rejuvenair lamps are set at a frequency of 253.7nm, which kills germs without the risk of creating ozone.

Choose Rejuvenair for quality and safety

Rejuvenair UVC air purifiers are fitted with the only UVC lamps that are approved for medical and battlefield scenarios. Moreover, every unit is installed by our expert engineers who assess the area for variables that may impact the unit’s functioning. With their support and our quality, British-designed and built equipment, you can be confident your unit works – no compromises, not on quality, nor on safety.

Building a fairer, healthier world

Posted on 07/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

Vaccines are one line of defence – but we need a comprehensive plan

As the UK approaches the milestone of administering over half the population with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s starting to feel like better days are ahead. Promising data is coming out of Israel, which leads the world in vaccination; right now, hospitalisations and deaths have fallen by almost 90%. Certainly, it seems like there is light at the end of the tunnel.

However, as a nation, there are other obstacles that we’ll face even after the majority of the population is vaccinated. Namely, not everyone can be vaccinated – and some people don’t want to. You may roll your eyes, but the fact is, the UK is a free country and people are entitled to make their own decisions. Equally, there are people who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. So how can we protect these people and our future?

Coronavirus wasn’t the first pandemic and it won’t be the last

Before thinking about solutions, we’ll set the scene: the fact is, coronavirus isn’t the first pandemic and it certainly won’t be the last. One fascinating statistic is that the virus commonly known as influenza hasn’t always been with us. In fact, the first case of influenza is thought to have appeared in the 12th century.

Afterwards, the first significant influenza pandemic was in 1557, with others happening incrementally throughout the centuries thanks to new variants and mutations. Perhaps the most famous is the Spanish flu epidemic, which occurred during the First World War. Shockingly, historians estimate that more people died from the Spanish flu killed than fighting in the trenches.

There have also been other significant pandemics aside from types of coronavirus. Over the years, the WHO have had to launch significant campaigns to battle Ebola and HIV, to name but two examples. As World Health Organization emergencies chief Mike Ryan warned, coronavirus may not necessarily be “the big one”.

How can we take extra precautions?

However, respiratory infections are by far the biggest culprits when it comes to pandemics. In the last 500 years, we’ve seen Spanish flu, Hong Kong flu, Asian flu, Russian flu, swine flu, bird flu, and SARS all turn into significant, global problems. So how can we try to prevent history from repeating itself once again?

As these viruses are usually airborne, a key line of defence is keeping the air we breathe clean. This is why Rejuvenair’s proposal for defending against the coronavirus is air purification. With UVC technology, we can neutralise and eradicate airborne virus particles. With this technology, we can keep the air in workplaces and public spaces clean and safe for everyone – no matter their vaccination status. And after all, isn’t fresh good for every aspect of our health?

Keeping everyone safe, no matter their vaccination status

As introduced, not everyone can take a vaccine. Some may refuse it for ideological or religious reasons; others, potential medical complications. To give one important example, we still aren’t completely sure if the vaccine is safe for pregnant women. Equally, some immunocompromised people couldn’t take a vaccine even if they wanted to – and they’re some of the most vulnerable.

Some people will lack access to the vaccine and ultimately, we can’t let this lead to discrimination in the workplace or public life. We need to care for each other in the face of adversity – and clean, safe air is a right we should all have.

Is your hospitality venue prepared?

Posted on 06/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

The last twelve months have been uniquely challenging for everybody. With lockdowns, restrictions and furlough impacting so many people, there have been some sectors that have been more affected than others. If you work in the hospitality industry, you know how hard it has been to not be able to welcome customers into your venue. However, in light of the latest plans for a roadmap out of lockdown, it looks like restrictions will be lifted on the 12th of April.

Great, you may think. You can finally reopen and get back to doing what you do best – putting the customer first! However, in order to do this, you must be ready for the “new normal”.

How can you prepare for reopening? Read on for some practical steps you can take to make sure your venue is good to go when restrictions lift.

Social distancing measures

One of the most important ways of opening safely is making sure your staff are clear on social distancing regulations. In line with social distancing measures, you will most likely need to reduce your capacity. This might be challenging at first, but planning ahead means you will know how many people you can safely accommodate. Make sure that all staff know how vital it is to keep these numbers in mind when admitting visitors into your venue.

Hygiene

Keeping up with strict hygiene is the best way to protect everyone during this time. Make sure you have plenty of antibacterial soap and hand sanitiser for both staff and guest use, and that you are cleaning with suitable supplies. Carefully considered signage will help to keep hygiene at the front of your visitors’ minds.

When cleaning, keep in mind that UV-C light is often used in the most sterile environments in order to kill bacteria more effectively. You can use this in conjunction with your regular cleaning regimen and support air purification. Always treat UV-C with extreme caution and make sure your products are guaranteed to be safe.

On that note, air hygiene is also an important consideration, with improved air circulation being vital to limit and prevent the spread of the virus, so keep windows open when you can and try to invest in an air purification system.

Face coverings

Ensuring that your visitors and customers are wearing face coverings is an important part of staying healthy and staying open! Having a box of disposable face coverings handy for those who forget is a great way to give people a nudge in the right direction. This prevents droplets from breathing to pass between people and, along with a safe one to two-metre distance, this is the top way to stay secure.

Track and trace

Getting signed up for the track and trace app is an important part of taking care of both your staff and your visitors. Ensuring that everyone who does not have the app gives you their details in a GDPR compliant fashion. This means you will be able to remain open but will know if you need to close.

Testing

Ensuring that your staff is able to undergo regular Covid-19 testing is imperative to ensure they remain healthy and happy to come to work. Make time for them to do this and it will help them to feel safer and happier to come to work.

With these handy hints, you should be able to reopen securely. Good luck, and stay safe!

UK Lockdown, a year in.

Posted on 06/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

The UK entered lockdown on March 23rd, 2020. Not one of us could have claimed to have known what was going to happen in the future at that point, but it’s probably fair to say that nobody could have quite anticipated what was to come. It has, no doubt, been a difficult year for all of us. Maybe one of the most difficult years we’ve ever been through. But where are we one year on, and what happens next?

Changing working habits. One of the primary takeaways from the ongoing lockdown is a re-evaluation for many workers and businesses alike of the commuting mindset. As it was impossible for many people to safely continue travelling to work and working alongside one another, there was a pronounced increase in working from home. By mid-May of 2020, just <a href=”https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/news/articles/half-brits-travelling-to-work-official-figures-show”>35% of workers had travelled to work in the previous seven days</a>.

For many people, this was seen as an inevitability; that sooner or later more and more people would start working from home. Traditionally, many businesses have been somewhat reluctant to implement work from home policies, citing a number of diverse reasons. The reality is, however, that productivity did not take the nose-dive that so many businesses claim when employees began working from home. In fact, a portion of employees and business owners actually reported that productivity had increased.

Working from home is not suitable for everyone, however, and as more businesses began to understand and implement safer working practices and social distancing measures, as we head further into 2021, more people are beginning to go back to their place of work. The ONS reported that at the week ending January 17th, the <a href=”https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/coronavirustheukeconomyandsocietyfasterindicators/21january2021″>number of workers who travelled to work in the previous week</a> had risen to 48%.

Thinking about our lifestyles, the coronavirus pandemic has had one positive effect, in as much as many people are now embracing a heightened awareness of the importance of good hygiene and cleaner environments. At Rejuvenair, we’re committed to helping people get the safer, cleaner, and purer air they deserve. COVID-19 was the cause behind this particular torrid year, but that’s not to say another virus can’t wreak similar havoc unless we make a clear change in the way we live and work. Life isn’t going “back to normal”, but as <a href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/news/half-of-all-adults-in-uk-receive-first-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine”>half of all adults in the UK have received a vaccine jab/a> as of March 20th, we can start to think about how we’re going to start getting on with our lives.

There is a <a href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary”>roadmap in place</a> to ease us out of lockdowns, provided case numbers continue to fall. Unless we learn valuable and important lessons about our experiences through this year of COVID-19 lockdowns, however, we run the risk of history repeating itself in the future.

Whatever we do as restrictions are eased, whether it’s going back to the office or meeting the friends and family we haven’t seen in far too long, we need to continually appreciate the importance of a clean and hygienic environment.

How does air quality affect pregnancy?

Posted on 06/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

In recent months, air pollution has been more in the media focus although it has been around for decades. While quarantine and mass confinement helped reduce the potency of air pollution, it remains one of the biggest threats to human health.

What is air pollution?

It is estimated that fresh air contains 10 elements: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Carbon dioxide, Neon, Helium, Methane (CH4), Krypton, Hydrogen, and Xenon. The air gets contaminated when other substances are introduced or when there’s an imbalance in the concentrations of the 10 mentioned elements.

The polluted atmosphere can contain particles, gases, or both from natural causes or man-induced causes. When talking about air pollution, it is split into two types: indoor and outdoor. Outdoor air Pollution can stem from:

— Industrial processes (i.e. fumes),

— Transportation (i.e. methane)

— Agriculture (i.e. nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste) Etc.

Indoor air pollution is caused by:

— Residential and small-scale commercial combustion (i.e. radiators)

— Building materials

— Tobacco smoke/wood-burning stoves Etc.

Air Pollutants

Key pollutants that have major harmful causes on the body are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM). They make up a good portion of urban air pollution. Fuel combustion is the main contributor to both these contaminants. Other air pollutants include:

— Carbon monoxide (CO)

— Ozone (O3)

— Ammonia (NH3)

— Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

PM is usually divided into PM10 (particles with diameters equal or inferior to 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particles of 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller). Out of the two, PM2.5 — otherwise known as fine particles —poses a bigger threat to our health (not to minimize the dangers of PM10).

Why the kerfuffle around PM2.5? To put dimensions into perspective, human hairs vary in width within an interval of 17 micrometers to 181 micrometers. In other words, these fine particles can easily slip up into our respiratory and cardiovascular system, causing complications as they accumulate over time.

Effects of air pollution on the body

Long-term exposure to air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths per year in the UK, making it the number one environmental threat. With our second year into the pandemic, the combination of air pollution and COVID-19 has been reported to be deadly serious.

Researchers from Harvard University took a look at the most polluted areas in the US and found a correlation between the rate of pollution and the death toll caused by COVID-19. In a separate study, the same pattern was seen in Italy. In fact, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna (two Italian regions) had a 12% fatality rate. The rest of Italy had only a 4.5% fatality rate. Public Health England also found similar results in a study they conducted back in August 2020.

It makes sense. Air pollutants cause inflammation (a protective response against harmful substances/organisms like toxins, bacteria, viruses, etc.), which taxes the immune system. Coupled with COVID-19, the body may not be able to defend itself; therefore, an infection with sars-cov-2 can result in severe symptoms or worse.

Air pollution is a culprit in causing asthma, stroke, pregnancy loss, loss of cognitive functions, and even cancer.

Looking at the statistics, miscarriages make up between 1-2 out of 10 pregnancies. It can be considered a high percentage after taking into account the technological advancement in health care.

It is also an indication of how fragile our bodies can be when dealing with unhealthy substances like drugs, nicotine, high-carb/high-fat foods, and air pollutants.

Research has shown that air pollution is linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and even pregnancy loss (miscarriage and stillbirth).

UNICEF released a study declaring that almost 17 million babies (children under the age of one) live in some of the most severely affected regions of the world, where outdoor air pollution is at least six times higher than international limits. Despite the fact that 12 million-ish of these babies are from South Asia, the risk is universal.

How does this happen? Airborne particles have been found to be traveling down the bloodstream and into the placenta causing dysfunctions.

Furthermore, continuous exposure to high-pollution levels can cause cognitive impairments equivalent to a loss of a whole year of education. This IQ drop is even more critical to the elderly (people 64 years old and above).

Unfortunately, according to a large body of research, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds are the ones at higher risk than others.

What to do?

HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) filters clean the air by filtering out microscopic contaminants. In other words, you benefit from an increased indoor air quality, which is good for allergies, asthma, and people who want to live in a cleaner environment.

While HAPA filters cannot kill viruses, they do contain them within the filter.

UVC light is potent when it comes to neutralizing bacteria and viruses by messing up their genome (DNA or RNA). With their genome impaired, the bacteria/viruses are inactivated and thus, no longer a health threat.

COVID-19 belongs to the family of coronaviruses; therefore, it shares a few genetic and structural similarities with the other viruses in the family. Early research on some coronaviruses figured out the specific configuration of UVC and dosage needed to neutralize these viruses.

According to the International UltraViolet Association: “We know the dosage values for comparable viruses in the same SARS virus family are 10-20 mJ/cm2 using direct UVC light at a wavelength of 254 nm; this dosage will achieve 99.9% disinfection (i.e., inactivation) under controlled lab conditions. In real-life, the virus is often hidden or shaded from direct UVC light, reducing UVC’s effectiveness. To compensate, researchers are applying dosages of 1,000 – 3,000 mJ/cm2 to ensure 99.9% deactivation, the current CDC disinfection goal”.

The toll of air pollution can be felt throughout most industries and sectors, it is something that impacts most if not all of us all in one way or another. As technology and knowledge improves, we have a responsibility to apply it in constructive ways to help create a safer future for all.

How does air quality affect your brain?

Posted on 06/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

One of the first things people tend to do when they feel tired or overwhelmed is to go outside and get some fresh air. Others open a window to aerate their living spaces while cleaning their indoor spaces with chemicals, painting, or cooking.

There are drawbacks to opening windows

Unfortunately, opening windows may let germs and smells out, but it may let pollution in. Science Daily reported that outdoor air pollution can eventually affect pollution indoors. Fireworks, fires, and even winter weather can affect how polluted the inside of your home gets.

Along with letting in any smoke, emissions from vehicles, or even local factories (if this is applicable to you), ventilation can actively spread pollutant particles around the space more easily and make it easier for people indoors to expose themselves to a pollutant’s negative health effects. It can take a while for indoor spaces to clear themselves of any harmful pollutants.

What studies say about air and our brains

Not all pollution is made equal. Noxious gasses, emissions, and smoke aren’t desirable, but particulate matter (PM), or microscopic substances floating in the air are seen as a bigger problem for our brains. We still need more definitive answers to how these PM’s affect us, but we know that pollution irritates our lungs.

More and more research is being conducted of the adverse effects of air pollution and the brain. Scientists are still studying the effects of small particles of pollution and testing whether or not they may be linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative brain issues but research to support the link is growing.

Studies in mice did definitely show differences between mice who breathed polluted air and clean air. Scientists believe that pollution may cause inflammation that then overwhelms the body and is seen in people who have neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia.

Inflammation is not a bad thing; however. In fact, this process can help us stay healthy. Our body becomes inflamed when it detects disease or infection. As our immune system works overtime to heal, it causes our bodies to become inflamed. Small pollution particles may trigger an immune response as our bodies detect a foreign substances.

Because of current and past studies on air pollution and our brains, scientists believe that up to 20% of dementia cases may be caused by pollution.

Take care of your health

Getting rid of indoor air pollution isn’t easy. Many buildings are next to factories, businesses, and other facilities that emit harmful gasses. Even in the best of circumstances, people looking to stay away from pollution may find that pollution actually comes to them via air ducts, poor ventilation systems, and even landscape or construction work that uses equipment that release fumes.

Studies have made a connection between young mice exposed to polluted air and changes in behaviour the mimic autism in humans. Air pollution has also piqued the interest of the World Health Organization (WHO).

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect us, now is a great time to examine how to decrease the impact of indoor air pollution and understand how to take care of our health. Fighting for clean air benefits us all and may even prevent future strain on the NHS in the future.

Now is the time to take every possible to step to breathe fresh air, learn more about the impact of pollution on our brains, and take control of our health in the years to come.

How does air quality affect Diabetes?

Posted on 06/04/202103/08/2021 by Georgina Williams-Hodgson

You may not think of air pollution as a risk factor for some health conditions. However, researchers estimate that it causes 7 million deaths worldwide, from heart disease to stroke to lung cancer. It can also increase your risk for diabetes.

Because of the pancreas’ purpose in blood sugar regulation, it can affect the entire body. Complications include kidney disease, glaucoma, and skin infections. That makes the role of air pollution more profound.

Impacts of Air Pollution

All air pollution is harmful, but PM2.5 or particulate matter under 2.5 microns is the worst. Its minute size allows it to penetrate farther into your respiratory system. That can have a direct impact on lung function and increase your risk of Covid-19 complications. Its other health effects are far-reaching.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes. If you find it hard to breathe outdoors because of air pollution, it can affect how often you exercise and, thus, your weight.

The ramifications don’t end there.

Diabetes can impair your cognitive function because of its influence on your blood sugar or glucose. The average human brain makes up about 2 percent of an individual’s total weight. Yet, it uses about 20 percent of your body’s glucose supply, which fuels its functionality.

It’s no wonder that irritability and fatigue are classic symptoms of this chronic health condition.

Getting a Handle on Air Quality

No indoor space is entirely impervious to the outdoor air—and its pollutants. That’s why a multi-faceted approach works best to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce your level of risk.

Getting clean air into your indoor space by opening the windows is a quick fix for poor IAQ as long as the PM2.5 levels are low outside. Pollutants from cooking, cleaning products, and off-gassing of home furnishings build up over time. That’s makes it a risk factor for people who spend most of their time indoors.

Using a UVC light is an effective way to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Chronic health conditions and long-term air pollution exposure can cause inflammation, which also affects your diabetes risk.

Running a HEPA filter is another excellent solution for improving IAQ. It can get rid of other sources of PM2.5 pollution, such as pollen, mold, dust, and other particles down to 0.3 microns with effectiveness of 99.97 percent.

Final Thoughts

Improving your IAQ is a vital step toward better health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Fortunately, there are several things you can do today that can put you in charge. While you can’t eliminate all pollutants, you can handle the ones that can have the greatest impact on your well-being.