Modern Building Services

16 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2023 FEATURE AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION H eating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial in maintaining indoor air quality in commercial buildings. They are designed to help monitor and sustain certain variables – including; air pressure, temperature and humidity, as well as volatile organic compounds and other pollutants to ensure comfort, and that the air is safe to breathe. Until recently, however, little thought has been given to monitoring the presence of airborne microbes that can profoundly impact our wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the dangers of viruses, and the potential implications they have on our health, business operations and way of life. During the pandemic, companies were guided by governments as to how to respond to outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2, and how to work together to curb infection rates. This article discusses how the onus has now shifted onto businesses to implement measures to help protect their employees and operations, and how the use of in- air pathogen surveillance can help guide these important decisions. Data-driven decision making Governments and public health agencies relied on an abundance of data and predictivemodels to help develop and executemeasures to counteract SARS-CoV-2. This resulted in numerous strategies being implemented across the globe, from lockdowns andmandatory testing to social distancing and remote working. However, as the pandemic transitions into an endemic stage, many government precautions will no longer be enforced. Furthermore, there is a false sense of security stemming fromwidespread vaccinations, as well as a general desensitisation to the dangers posed by the virus. As public health agencies relinquish their responsibilities for managing SARS-CoV-2, companies must now increase their own diligence, and start investing in tools to help protect their staff and operations. Changing tides: addressing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 Infectious diseases have historically come under the realm of public health, making it challenging for the private sector to know how to respond to the ongoing pressures of SARS-CoV-2. By Daniel Mullen , Bio-Aerosol Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Indoor air monitoring : adding another arrow to the quiver