We now know that assessing the quality of ventilation is essential in planning deconfinement. A Quebec indoor air quality project could contribute to a green and fair economic recovery by ensuring the maintenance of air quality and the energy efficiency of our cultural, educational and sports facilities. Our living environments and our workplaces must become healthy and safe spaces that will allow us to face future climate change, but also the next epidemics.
Aerosol transmission is now a consensus in the scientific community: the COVID-19 virus spreads through the air, like cigarette smoke. The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) recognizes airborne transmission as the predominant mode of spread since January 9.
At a time when we are preparing to live with a virus that has the ability to mutate and transmit itself more easily in poorly ventilated spaces, it is essential to rely on tools that guarantee the maintenance of indoor air quality. .
The building code and the CNESST require the application of minimum ventilation standards in order to maintain air quality. However, the pandemic has brought to light the fact that natural or mechanical ventilation systems are not always designed or maintained in such a way as to ensure the health, safety and well-being of occupants. This situation has been highlighted in recent months in confined spaces where the most vulnerable people are found, such as schools, seniors’ residences and various workplaces.
Faced with an intangible matter such as air as well as diversified and complex ventilation systems, the general public does not always know which way to take this issue. However, over the past two years, collectively, we have learned to use CO measurement.2 as an indicator to check the efficiency of ventilation, as well as devices such as purifiers and air exchangers. We have become aware of the fundamental role that ventilation plays in the transmission of respiratory viruses.
We are now ready to go further: the measures to be put in place are known, the technology and expertise exist, and we can count on the know-how of professionals and entrepreneurs who can lend a hand by sharing their knowledge.
Let’s rely on expertise and technology. Ventilation must immediately be integrated among the means of prevention linked to the relaxation of sanitary measures planned by Public Health. Then, the start of a vast project on indoor air quality, launched by Quebec, should accelerate the upgrading, commissioning and maintenance of high-performance ventilation systems in our facilities and in our organizations. A major improvement in indoor air quality is needed so that we can ensure a green and fair economic recovery, and so that the next pandemic does not make us relive the dramas of the past few months.