Office air quality & COVID, stop the spread…

Minimising viral transmission in offices is now more important than ever due to the coronavirus pandemic. Managing office air quality COVID is an important issue to maintain the health of staff. The buildings HVAC system plays an integral role in reducing viral transmission. In fact, a recent study suggested that enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) could be as effective in reducing aerosol transmission of viruses as vaccinating 50-60% of the population¹.

COVID-19 or the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These respiratory droplets spread through the air and can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth and can spread through the air and settle on surfaces where transmission can occur.

Humidity levels in buildings affect the distance the virus can spread. Office air quality and COVID can be effectively managed to minimise any risk to staff. It is important to measure key indoor air quality parameters such as carbon dioxide and humidity levels, as well as disinfection and testing of surfaces for COVID-19. An independent air quality consultant can assist you to set up testing and clearance of your office and recommend any improvements that will enhance air quality in the office and reduce the likelihood of transmission. Professional air quality testing is paramount.

As part of a routine testing regime, Enviro Corp offers air quality testing for Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Temperature, Relative Humidity, Particulate Matter, Bioaerosols, Volatile Organic Compounds and COVID-19. Clearing your office or worksite of COVID-19 and other airborne contaminants is an important workplace health and safety measure that can assist in maintaining staff health and productivity, reduce staff absence and demonstrate due diligence under the workplace health and safety regulations.

1. _{Smieszek, T., Lazzari, G., & Salathé, M. (2019). Assessing the Dynamics and Control of Droplet- and Aerosol-Transmitted Influenza Using an Indoor Positioning System. Scientific Reports, 9(1)}