Covid 19 and other Airborne Pathogens

Mechanical Ventilation

Why indoor ventilation is important to reduce Covid-19 cases

Effective ventilation is so important as part of a healthy home or building environment and using a Mechanical Ventilation system is critical to reducing poor ventilation, mould, asthma, harmful pollutants and even Covid-19.

A Mechanical Ventilation system will ensures a constant stream of external fresh air is brought into the building and the consistent removal of poor stale air is exhausted.

Mechanical Ventilation will dilute and remove airborne pathogens as much as possible, changing the air in a room as much as 3-12 times per hour, depending on your system size and design!

Stale air comprises: bio effluents (body odours and exhaled breath), airborne pollutants (such as smells from cleaning products and furniture), amongst others harmful odours.

Mechanical Ventilation is critical in diluting airborne pathogens, and there is reliable evidence that validates room occupants are more at risk of catching an illness in a poorly ventilated rooms, than in a mechanically ventilated room.

The risk for Covid-19 transmission from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic person who occupies a home or building without knowledge that they are passing on viral particles is greatly increased in the absence of Mechanical Ventilation properties..

Covid risks

Covid-19 is spread by very small particles (aerosols) – which are released by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, talk and breathe. Larger droplets tend to fall by gravity and influences the 2m social distancing measures to reduce spread. However, these fine aerosols can remain airborne for several hours.

Whilst it is not yet scientifically proven that airborne aerosols transmit the disease, knowledge of other similar viruses and the emerging evidence illustrate high rates of infection in poorly ventilated rooms! This unequivocally suggests that we should consider this as a potential transmission route and undertake necessary known measures to reduce and eliminate all risk. berg.co.uk

This guidance is subject to change as Covid-19 transmission information develops; until such time, we recommend a risk averse approach to reduce and eliminate indoor pollution without the need for significant capital expenditure.

Minimise risks

To minimise the risks of airborne transmission of Covid-19 Mechanical Ventilation will increase the clean fresh air supply and exhaust the poor stale air.

Mechanical Ventilation will dilute and remove airborne pathogens as much as possible, changing the air in a room as much as 3-12 times per hour!

In rooms and zones (basements & storage rooms), where there is no direct supply of external air then it is vital to supply filtered air!

Actions

Prior to reopening any commercial premise it is vital to establish what kind of ventilation provision exists, and how the ventilation rates can be increased.

There are a variety of options to consider when planning your ventilation requirements in existing buildings:

  • Natural ventilation
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Heat Recovery
  • Air conditioning

To find out more speak to one of our professional advisors and book a free, no obligation site survey.

Combatting the risk of Covid-19 through effective known measure together!

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