Coronavirus, ventilation reduces risks. Infection rates are much higher indoors.

Ventilation in the environments where we spend most of our time, from home to the workplace, has always been important for our health. But since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, it has become a crucial tool for preventing the virus. This is on par with social distancing, frequent and thorough hand washing, and the use of masks.

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VENTILATION AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

The latest scientific research highlights the benefits of frequent ventilation, demonstrating, as in a study by the University of New Mexico, that it can reduce the presence of tiny virus particles suspended in the air by 70 percent. These particles are only 5 thousandths of a millimeter in size and persist, or can emerge, during breathing or speaking.

The study by Mexican scientists, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, unequivocally demonstrates that in closed rooms, where there is no ventilation, the risk of contagion is much higher , even when the distance between people exceeds 2 meters.

OPEN WINDOWS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

A group of researchers from the University of Estonia reached similar conclusions in a study published in the journal Environment International. In this case, the recommendation, based on the data collected, is very explicit: ventilation may be more important than handwashing and maintaining a safe distance (at least one meter) from other people.

But what changes in our behavior based on these insights? First, the way we ventilate our homes and workspaces changes. While we previously did it sporadically, perhaps skipping a few days, we now need to have a method. At least a couple of times a day, and it's especially important to take advantage of the hours of daylight, light, and milder temperatures.

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Ventilation Stops COVID-19

Of course, ventilation also varies based on the number of people using common areas. If there are several people, even those who come frequently, airing the rooms may be a recurring need. We don't need to worry if the internal temperature drops. We have all the tools to raise it.

CORONAVIRUS-RESISTANT AIR CONDITIONERS

The other change, once the importance of ventilation has been clarified, concerns the use of air conditioning (both hot and cold) in various environments. In this case, it's best to use systems that don't rely solely on indoor air recirculation, but also use outside air. Germany, for example, is investing significantly in installing mobile air purifiers with these features in both schools and public buildings.

Staying outdoors helps fight COVID-19

But keeping windows open and ventilating rooms also opens the door to a radical change in some collective rituals, which we can still continue to perform together, perhaps making better use of the opportunity, when possible, to be outdoors. Think of schools that have chosen to place students and desks outdoors, when temperatures permit. Of Mass celebrated with the church doors wide open. Of physical exercise, done outdoors, in the garden or a park. And even when we have a friend over, who doesn't live with us, and we can open a balcony door or a window: let's do it. Just to increase healthy air circulation.

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