Coronavirus came unexpectedly and took over the world like a storm. This pandemic has changed the world in a matter of time and gradually instated everyone around the globe to stay put which eventually led businesses to shut down, employees losing their jobs and majority of the businesses around the world to work from home. Health concerns rose during strict lockdown restrictions because everyone remained indoors and due to poor ventilations mechanisms the poor IAQ resulted in physically and mentally affecting people.
How does Indoor Air Quality play a vital part in betterment for businesses Globally and how will it be safe to come back to work?
“Indoor concentrations of certain pollutants have actually increased in recent decades due to the rising adoption of smart ventilators that, on the whole, fail to ensure safe air exchange.”
Overtime, the world we know is becoming digitalized, where AI and IoT technologies have been evolving and these technologies are introduced to business to improve their IAQ, where with the help of facility management (caFM) users will be alerted on the air quality present in the office/enclosed areas. This will be beneficial for everyone that choose to setup smart air sensors with which they will be able to not only remote troubleshoot and also remote monitor multiple system that will not only provide 24/7 access but also provide health portfolios, real-time data and provide security during and post COVID-19. Moreover, IoT and AI technologies will help manage and monitor more than one enclosed environment and gather information for areas of concerning poor Indoor Air Quality and other risk assessments. Smart technologies will communicate via cloud services and send alarms through social media or email depending on preferences, therefore, these reports will include more information on why, where, when and how the alarm was triggered making it easier for quick problem solutions.
For a healthier tomorrow we have to believe in ventilation and reduction of re-circulation of air in an enclosed place which leads to eliminating the excess amount of CO2 present. Increasing outside airflow during certain times when indoor environment is fully occupied and operations, furthermore, prioritizing outside air over the humidity will result in fresher air and a healthier environment for everyone. IoT and AI will monitor and control the CO2 TVOC , Humidity, PPM2.5/10 levels within the enclosed environment and these smart technologies will perform the right ventilation methods to flush out CO2 and humidity, moreover, filter in cleaner and fresher air to maintain a cleaner and a healthier environment for everyone indoors.
Due to COVID-19 there have been numerous lessons learned about monitoring system. The disease itself cannot be monitored, but low-cost and easy setup of IoT solutions are possible which will improve the Indoor Air Quality drastically for a better tomorrow. IAQ will still remain a concern post COVID-19 and who knows maybe smart IoT solutions are a risk, but for now they are the best and only solution to Indoor Air Quality during this pandemic and future indoor environmental concerns.