Control humidity to stop COVID 19 spiral as Unlock 1.0 begins

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Control humidity to stop COVID 19 spiral as Unlock 1.0 begins

Control humidity to stop COVID 19 spiral as Unlock 1.0 begins

Industry News
Jun 08,20

Companies should invest in humidity & indoor air quality tracking devices like hygrometer, humidity controller, air quality monitor, etc, as WHO has linked maintaining optimum temperature, indoor air quality and moisture to the spread of coronavirus.

Control humidity to stop COVID 19 spiral as Unlock 1.0 begins

Mumbai, June 8, 2020:

A report published by The Hindustan Times on June 4, 2020, citing a Chinese University prediction study, said that India could see more than 15,000 new confirmed cases of COVID 19 every day by June 15. Established by Lanzhou university in northwest ChinaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Gansu province, the Ã¢â‚¬Å“Global Covid-19 Predict SystemÃ¢â‚¬Â makes daily forecasts for 180 countries.

Given the high population density of India, which reduces the social distance, the country is conducive to the development of pandemic. The influence of temperature is limited, compared with other factors, said the report, which added that the number of new cases in India will rise as the government gradually eases the lockdown.

This report has sent alarm bells ringing in India. Even as the country has eased lockdown limits and allowed people movement, there's a way to avoid this dire situation, according to Mansoor Ali, who is the Founder of AMFAH India, which deals in air treatment solutions.

Different factors are contributing to the growth of COVID differently in different regions in the world. Meteorological factors can also affect the spread of the virus. It is believed that it is necessary to consider the impact of temperature and humidity, although the degree of their influence varies in different regions.

Newly reopened workspaces (as Unlock 1.0 begins), upcoming monsoons and crowded public areas are likely to led to high humidity levels across the country. Ã¢â‚¬Å“IndiaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s COVID 19 strategy has till now, not focused on monitoring and maintaining humidity levels or air quality,Ã¢â‚¬Â rued Mansoor Ali. Monitoring and maintaining humidity levels are the best way by which one can control the spread of COVID 19.

To track humidity & indoor air quality, use devices like hygrometer, air quality testing monitor or through city-based mobile apps dedicated to real-time air quality, advised Ali.

Why humidity? The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked maintaining optimum temperature, indoor air quality and moisture to the spread of the coronaviruses, responsible for COVID-19. Ã¢â‚¬Å“Maintaining a balance of air quality at PM 2.5 and humidity levels between 40 to 60% RH will reduce and control the spread of the coronavirus,Ã¢â‚¬Â vouched Ali as they deal with many health-related cases impacting various industries/sector during monsoon due to rising humidity in the past.

"After a four-month lockdown, people have resumed work at their workplaces, which may have poor air quality and humidity levels. Checking humidity levels with a hygrometer will allow you to ensure safety for all employees. I recommend this for restaurants, malls, salons and all establishments", he added.

Companies like Kusam Electrical Industries, MRK Engineers, Testo, Paramount, Sansel Instruments and Controls, Dolphin Automation, Nutronics, etc are offering temperature and humidity monitoring and controlling devices. For example, Kusam Electrical Industries' CE-marked thermo hygrometer, Model KM 918, is a very low-cost multifunction instrument that measures temperatures in Ã‚Â°C from -20Ã‚Â°C to +60Ã‚Â°C and humidity from 0% to 100% RH. Similarly, MRK Engineers offers a digital humidity/temperature indicator, Model MC288 Series, which is low cost digital hygro thermometer (that provides dual display for humidity, and temperature via the LCD display). Paramount's thermo hygrometer, which simultaneously displays temperature as well as humidity in the laboratory, is ideal for textile laboratories.

Ali has been highlighting the importance of temperature, humidity and air quality since early February and has been advocating that the spread of the coronavirus is affected by many factors including environmental issues impacting differently in the different regions in the world.

"International trends for COVID affected countries show that places with lower temperature have suffered the most. India has been lucky to fight the virus from early summer, aided by high temperatures and humidity levels. However, most places in India are now at the border levels of 60 per cent RH levels, and the upcoming monsoons will only raise these levels higher. It's time everyone understands the importance of humidity levels consciously and its impact, especially vulnerable spots in COVID-affected regions like Mumbai and coastal areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,Ã¢â‚¬Â Ali added.

"Stay conscious, track and address the local area real-time air quality and humidity with temperature along with other guidelines for self-protection. These steps, along with hand hygiene, social distancing and higher immunity, will keep you safe from COVID 19,Ã¢â‚¬Â he said.