Importance of Fresh Air in Fighting Swine Flu (H1N1)
However, one omission of information dissemination seems to be about the use of air-conditioning in large indoor spaces like government and business offices, IT parks, etc. Often, such offices are centrally air-conditioned or have air-conditioned work space and conference rooms, where the same air is re-circulated with minimal fresh air addition. Some advanced air conditioning systems may offer more fresh air. If any H1N1 affected person is in such an air-conditioned space, then the H1N1 virus concentration in the re-circulated air will rise while this person is in the space, increasing the risk for other persons who share this space. Therefore, in addition to all other measures, flow of fresh air to dilute virus concentration is very important. WHO very specifically emphasizes: “improve the airflow in your living space by opening windows*”.
source: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
Recently, an exercise was undertaken, to measure the concentration of CO2 (in parts per million, or ppm) in ambient air as compared to the concentration of CO2 in a closed air-conditioned space. What was noticed was, in an air-conditioned conference room occupied by about 10 to 12 people, the concentration of CO2 increased rapidly to almost 10 to 15 times of the ambient level. Though it is not possible to measure the virus in a similar manner, one can only guess that the virus concentration will increase in an air-conditioned space.
Added to this, there also seems to be link between low humidity and flu prevalence and transmission. The study and analysis done at Oregon State University (OSU) revealed a strong link between absolute humidity and flu virus survival and transmission. "The correlations were surprisingly strong. When absolute humidity is low, influenza virus survival is prolonged, and transmission rates go up," study author Jeffrey Shaman, an atmospheric scientist at OSU who specializes in ties between climate and disease transmission, said in a news release. (Source: Low humidity levels help flu germs spread, www.MedicineNet.com , 10 Feb’09). As we often experience, conventional air conditioners reduce the humidity in spaces they cool.
So, what are the alternatives to mitigate these factors?
-
Stop usage of air-conditioning, while the pandemic is on. Instead, open windows and use fans – allow fresh air to flow.
-
If the ambient temperature is high with lower humidity and needs more than just fans for comfort, then another alternative to air-conditioning, at a basic level, is the use of desert coolers.
-
Currently there are better technologies available providing more sophisticated and effective methods of comfort cooling, which work fundamentally on the principle of two stage (indirect & direct) evaporative cooling. One of such sophisticated systems is the Ambiator*. This gives comfortable temperatures – even with relatively higher humidity in ambient air – in relation to desert coolers.
*Reference about Ambiator available in UK FCO (UK Government) website www.climatesuccess.org
About the HMX Ambiator
Ambiator is a low cost, low carbon cooling technology offering 100% fresh cool air as an effective alternative to conventional air conditioning. It is relevant for large gathering places like IT parks, BPOs, offices, factories, halls, malls, multi-plexes, etc.
While ‘Ambiator’, offers thermal comfort with fresh air, it also saves on energy. There is a huge saving potential in energy - about 60% over conventional air conditioners. Hence, Ambiators also contribute in reducing global warming and thus mitigating climate change. As Ambiators do not use refrigerants, they also have zero ozone depletion potential.
Filtration of air is very important and a standard feature in Ambiator is that it offers filtration of air upto 10 microns. Based on requirements filtration upto 5 microns is offered for offices & factories. For hospitals and other mission critical applications HMX offers Ambiators with HEPA filters (high efficiency particulate air) filters. These HEPA filters filter particles upto 0.3 microns in diameter with 99.97% efficiency.
Ambiators are developed, piloted and commercialized by Sumaya HMX Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, a company of the A.T.E. Group. A.T.E. is a well-known, diversified engineering group with an excellent reputation; 800+ employees; 10 sales and service offices across India; 50+ world-class principals; 4000+ customers. The group is engaged in manufacturing, distribution and service in textile engineering, clean technology, machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions, flow technology and print and packaging solutions.
For more information on Ambiators & A.T.E.’s other products & solutions, please visit the websites: www.ateindia.com and www.hmx.biz
Article written by:
Contact details: