Ventilation and indoor air quality have always been important. However, more people are becoming more aware of the importance due to the Covid-19 outbreak. People now recognise the importance of indoor air quality for their health, given the mounting evidence that the new coronavirus spreads more easily in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces. Employers will now benefit from having their staff back in the office, working collaboratively, and promoting more productivity and creativity. With more employees anticipated to report in and out of the office, more businesses are running at maximum capacity. Employers must assure that there are no health risks from viruses before they encourage the employees to return to the office. Employers must provide a safe working environment to lessen the likelihood of employee illness.
Tax Deduction On Ventilation
According to Minister of Health Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin, companies that upgrade their office ventilation systems can receive tax benefits. This incentive will be available until the end of 2022. The government is granting tax deductions of up to RM300,000 for the cost of rebuilding commercial premises until December 31, 2022.
Why is Proper Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Important?
The practise of introducing fresh air into enclosed spaces while eliminating stale air is known as ventilation. Allowing fresh air into closed spaces can help to remove virus-infected air and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is an airborne virus that can build up in poorly ventilated areas, increasing the chance of it spreading, particularly if there are sick people present.
The virus may linger in the air after an infected person has left. COVID-19 is less likely to spread when fresh air is present in a room rather than stale air carrying virus particles. The faster you remove any airborne virus from space, the more fresh air circulates within the area.
Ways to Improve Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Open Windows and Doors for Natural Ventilation
You can air out the space in rooms that rely on natural ventilation regularly by opening windows and doors as wide as possible. Ventilation can still be provided by partially opening windows and doors.
Upgrade HVAC systems to Improve Ventilation and Air Quality
It may not be possible to open windows and doors in buildings, the most likely scenario is to have a substantial mechanical ventilation system in place. Many mechanical HVAC systems are no longer fully compatible with modern standards; ensure yours is up to date, compliant, and well-maintained.
Inspect and Maintain
Examine and maintain exhaust ventilation systems in areas such as cafeterias and kitchen facilities. When these areas are occupied, use these systems. Even if the specific space is vacant, the use of these systems will improve overall ventilation within the occupied building.
Invest In Air Quality Monitoring Device
IoT smart-sensing monitoring system like ENVIRO INTELiAQ, collects and combines sensor data to monitor air pollution in interior spaces. The indoor air quality monitoring system will evaluate the air quality in your homes or offices and alert you if it deteriorates, as well as the cause.
Invest In A Good Air Purifier
If your business struggles with indoor air pollution, an air purifier can help remove hazardous particles and improve air quality. An air purifier works by absorbing tiny particles, dust, and debris from the air. The air purifier will then filter these particles and release clean and purified air. Air purifiers featuring a Disinfection Filtration System (DFS), such as the HealthWay Air Purifier, remove viruses as well as dust, dirt, and other particles from the air.
People have been spending more time indoors since the COVID-19 virus epidemic, in homes or buildings where pollution levels can be two to five times higher than they are outdoors. COVID-19 isn’t the only factor to consider when it comes to indoor air quality. It is essential to reduce anyone’s chance of a slowly developing chronic illnesses, by improving indoor air quality. Subsequently, this practise will aid in the fight against future pandemics.
