The British Medical Journal recently reported the risk of transmitting Coronavirus through contaminated surfaces is minimal.
As the awful bacteria is now understood to be an airborne virus, the BMJ say the key to our future is to reduce potential transmission rates.
Respiratory experts have argued it is now clear COVID-19 is more likely to transmit between individuals at close range via inhalation, rather than contact with surfaces. This does of course explain how the epidemic has redefined the way senior healthcare and scientific professionals assess airborne transmitted viruses.
Despite being able to inhale aerosols regardless of their particular matter, or even at long range, it is more likely to occur when in closer contact with another individual. When two people are in a closer environment – notably within two meters – particles are transmitted at a much more concentrated level; similar to someone who is smoking.
Small respiratory particles
The British Medical Journal found that individuals infected with COVID-19 produce many more respiratory particles, as they exhale. Those stood within a short range distance are likely to inhale many of these particles, immediately.
While the UK has become accustomed to wearing face masks or shields, standing at least 1m apart from others and reducing indoor occupancy, we must look at the long-term. Changes to lockdown restrictions will come into play from May 17; where we can begin to mix indoors once again.
Will this put everyone at risk again?
The BMJ state: “A crucial difference is the need for added emphasis on ventilation; the tiniest suspended particle can remain in the air for hours, and these are an important route of transmission.”
Businesses, hospitals, schools and even hospitality environments should look to efficiently and effectively clean the air. While many have already turned to opening the windows, updating ventilation systems and air conditioning units – many others are quite rightly turning towards air purification.
Ensuring the air is purified and not simply ‘turned over’, will reduce the spread of Coronavirus, but will also reduce the number of sick-days taken as a result of a respiratory virus, allergies or even Sick Building Syndrome.
Improving productivity
Viruses, particles from aerosols and environmental pollution can find their way through gaps between masks and the face, or even find their way through ventilation systems.
The authors of the BMJ study added: “Improving productivity in the workplace and providing cleaner air, could save companies significant costs.
“In turn, this would offset the expense of upgrading their ventilation systems or paying out for sick-days.”
Air purification is one of the most effective methods in combatting harmful airborne particles.
We already know, UK businesses lose as much as £600-million per year through an average of 3-million sick days caused by Sick Building Syndrome and other respiratory related sick-days.
Unlike many other solutions, the technology used by PureAire ensures all virus particles are destroyed – not simply captured. Effective at removing 99.5% of particles from the air, our solutions provide an environment with fresh air, reducing the feeling of a ‘stuffy work environment’ and ensuring staff members, visitors, patients or pupils have nothing to feel anxious about.
The experts at BMJ finished: “COVID-19 may well become seasonal.
“Safer indoor environments are required, not only to protect unvaccinated people and those for whom vaccines fail, but also to deter vaccine resistant variants or novel airborne threats that may appear at any time.
“Improving indoor ventilation and air quality, particularly in healthcare, work, and educational environments, will help all of us to stay safe, now and in the future.”
Certify air as clean
PureAire solutions are designed for real-life situations. Whatever your environment, we’re here to help. Accredited with ISO 16890 and part of the Sunday Time Fast Track 100 companies, we believe in our solutions.
We aim to provide cleaner air, to all environments.
Without testing – how can you be sure of air quality?