Today, Explained Let’s talk about ventilation
Sep 2, 2020
Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his sharp insights into economics and culture, joins Harvard professor Joe Allen, an expert on indoor air quality. They delve into the critical role of ventilation in combating airborne viruses and the importance of modern standards over mere energy efficiency. Thompson highlights the reluctance of workers to return to offices, even as conditions improve. They also critique 'hygiene theater' practices and discuss the long-term effects of remote work on urban life and societal norms.
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Mitigating Airborne Transmission
- Consider distance from others, even beyond six feet.
- Prioritize well-ventilated spaces and imagine aerosol transmission like cigarette smoke.
Ventilation and Filtration
- It's difficult to determine a building's ventilation quality visually, so inquire directly.
- Good ventilation and filtration are essential, removing aerosols via dilution and air cleaning.
Sick Building Era
- Current ventilation standards prioritize energy efficiency over health, leading to poor indoor air quality.
- Buildings designed to minimum standards accumulate pollutants and infectious aerosols.