Since March, everyone is stuck indoors because of India wide lockdown. We all are practicing social distancing to keep ourselves safe and combat the spread of COVID-19.
You might think that staying indoors means you’re safe from air pollution, but research shows that this is far from the case. Air pollution can occur indoors, too and has been linked to occurrences of headaches, dizziness and fatigue, according to the EPA. The World Health Organization calls this “sick building syndrome.”
Due to lockdown we all are already collectively spending around 95% of our time indoors. With these numbers increasing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, managing indoor air pollution is even more crucial.
WHERE DOES INDOOR POLLUTION COME FROM?
- Outside sources, such as dust and smoke from major roads and freeways
- Indoor sources that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Poorly designed and energy inefficient buildings that trap pollutants inside
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)?
Poor indoor air quality causes negative health consequences, but research has shown a link between poor IAQ and cognitive functions. Lower air quality increases the risk of:
- Reduced productivity and more sick days in the workplace
- Lower test scores and attendance rates in schools
- Difficulty making decisions
- Decline in alertness
- Decreased critical thinking abilities.
HOW TO COMBAT INDOOR AIR POLLUTION DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
As we stay indoors and take utmost precaution to avoid coming into contact with COVID-19, keeping our minds and bodies safe is important. Good lung health is essential for our bodies to be able to fight the virus if we do contract it. Call EPSCO India to perform thorough audit of IAQ in your commercial premises (if you are allowed to work as essential services during lockdown) and we will give the report and suggest how to improve your indoor air quality.
