Factors that Increase the Risk of Transmission of the COVID-19 Virus
The COVID-19 virus is transmitted through airborne particles and droplets. People who have contracted the infectious virus can release particles and droplets of respiratory fluids that contain the SARS COV-2 virus while exhaling, singing, coughing, or talking.
The size of these droplets can be visible or microscopic. In indoor spaces, the virus is known to spread through the air and can accumulate. There are some circumstances that can increase the risk of transmission such as:
- Being indoors instead of outdoors – Indoor confined spaces are less adequately ventilated than outdoor spaces. The concentration of air pollutants and viruses are diluted in outdoor environments leading to a reduction of risk in acquiring the virus.
- Activities – Activities that increase the emissions of respiratory fluids such as speaking loudly, singing, or exercising indoors.
- Prolonged times of exposure – When a person with a suspected or confirmed case COVID-19 has been indoors, the virus can be suspended in the air for minutes to hours.
- Occupancy – Crowded spaces, particularly if face coverings are inconsistently or improperly worn, can also increase the risks of exposure.
With restrictions easing in many parts of the country and borders opening for international travel, the responsibility to keep ourselves safe has shifted from the government to individuals and organisations.
Indoor air quality monitors such as the ERS CO2 Carbon Dioxide Sensor and the IAQ Max Desktop CO2 Monitor can help in monitoring the quality of air and adequacy of ventilation.
How Do Indoor Air Quality Monitors Help in Managing Virus Transmission in Indoor Spaces?
Indoor air quality monitors can be used in homes, office spaces, childcares, classrooms and more to measure and monitor air quality metrics. Approximately 5% of the gases we exhale is carbon dioxide. Therefore, when people are present in indoor spaces, measuring the concentration levels of CO2 provides an indication of how much fresh air is circulating through the space.
As stated by Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) Brian Murphy from EHS Assess during a previous Air-Met Scientific webinar, Understanding the Importance of IAQ in Schools & COVID-19 Ventilation Considerations, CO2 monitors cannot directly prevent virus transmission, nor can they identify the presence of SARS and COVID viruses. They can, however, indicate an increased risk of transmission due to insufficient airflow or stale air and in turn, indicate how effective air circulation is – allowing for preventative measures to be taken.
How can IAQ Monitors help Organisations and Businesses?
Operating in this new normal and returning to office spaces has made indoor air quality a top priority among employees. For employers, it is critical to address IAQ in offices spaces to facilitate a safer return to work for employees. Of course, a combination of COVID-19 management strategies and tools will be needed to provide employees with the confidence to return to work safely.
With good indoor air quality:
- Employees will have peace of mind and increased confidence in working in the office.
- Correlation between good indoor air quality and increased productivity
- Less disruptions to the workforce
- Less absenteeism which will reduce operational costs
With a 10-year battery life and minimal maintenance requirements, the ERS CO2 Sensor is the perfect solution for offices and buildings. A simple “plug and play” solution enclosed in a discreet room sensor box, this wall-mounted fixed solution measures other IAQ parameters along with CO2 such as ambient temperature, humidity, and motion.
Monitoring IAQ has many benefits including:
- Reduces general respiratory illnesses such as the flu
- Decreases the risk of COVID-19 transmission
- Reduces symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and drowsiness
- Decreases the potential for skin irritation which has been linked to high concentrations of CO2
- Improves concentration and focus
Whether it is a fixed wall-mounted CO2 Sensor or a portable desktop carbon dioxide monitor, the monitoring of the indoor air environment will continue to remain important for businesses looking to provide a healthy and safe environment for workers and occupants of indoor spaces and improve business operations.
