Monitoring indoor air quality in real-time gives the right insights to maintain healthy conditions

Indoor air quality is crucial and legally regulated. Belgium introduced federal indoor air quality standards last year, emphasizing real-time monitoring for a healthier environment.

Recently, all 226 residents of a Quebec nursing home contracted COVID-19. Poor ventilation allowed the virus to spread through the building. Caroline Duchaine, a bioaerosol expert at Laval University, stated, “The lack of ventilation allowed the virus to accumulate and spread.”

What we know about Coronavirus transmission routes

Current data suggest that airborne transmission can occur in two ways:

Close contact transmission by large droplets (> 10 microns) that are released and fall on surfaces within about 1-2 m of the infected person.
Airborne transmission by small particles (< 5 microns), which can remain in the air for longer periods of time and be transported long distances. This route of transmission has not been confirmed by the WHO, but it should be taken into account as a precaution when managing ventilation in buildings.

This mechanism implies that maintaining a distance of 1-2 m from infected persons may not be sufficient, and that increasing ventilation is useful because it removes more particles.

Current Recommendations to limit airborne transmission

When there is no HVAC in place

Open windows and doors to ensure sufficient ventilation in closed spaces.

When there is an HVAC system in place

REHVA recommends longer system operation times to clear virus particles. Start ventilation earlier, stop it later, or run it 24/7 with reduced airflow when the building is empty.