Untitled RSS Feed

Occupants safety at fingertips | Solutions for healthier buildings in the post-COVID normal

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:19:36 GMT

Getting out of your building premises without worrying about carrying a mask or having thoughts about cramped up lifts. Yes we’re all thinking this but as the world prepares itself to combat the pandemic, the reality will be far opposite.

It goes without saying that healthy buildings will play a central role in creating a safer environment against the risk of coronavirus exposure. In our previous blog, we spoke about how in addition to everyday precautions taken by occupants, buildings need to implement various control measures for compliance with the standard operational guidelines laid down by the authorities. We will have to plan and organize better to minimize contact and focus on indoor health & safety as means of permanent change in perspective even after the crisis is long gone.

Let’s have a look at the layer of approaches we will have to take to prepare our building and living premises for a safer post-covid world.

Understanding the risk

Building environments provide lots of opportunities for people to come into contact with viruses and bacteria — through people-to-people interaction, air flow, and from contaminated surfaces.

We know that the principal transmission mode of the Coronavirus is by respiratory droplets, which may travel several feet from someone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoiding contact with these respiratory droplets is the first step to control the spread. However, residual contaminants can travel through your HVAC system, where all air in the indoor space is circulated and can contribute to the spread of an airborne virus. The Coronavirus has the same traits as other viruses such as the common cold, the flu, and a sore throat, by how it is spread from person-to-person.

Source control is always the first step when dealing with Indoor Air Quality concerns such as mold, dust, odor, and even viruses.

Managing the People

We are well aware that the Covid-19 transmission takes place from person to person through respiratory droplets. Like all viruses, the coronavirus needs a human carrier to spread. All efforts to create healthy buildings start with the basics: the people who occupy buildings and carry the virus. Managing the risk at work-spaces includes minimizing the number of people interacting everyday with the work-spaces. It is crucial for buildings to educate the occupants and have a plan in action and behavior to keep themselves safe from the risk.

Buildings should have an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan to maintain compliance with safety and prevention guidelines laid down by the local health authorities including social distancing, frequent hand-washing, sanitization and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.

Maintaining optimum humidity levels

Humidity levels in buildings can also be used to fight disease transmission. Viruses can travel farther in the air that isn’t sufficiently hydrated. Humidity levels also have an effect on the human body’s natural ability to fight infections. A relative humidity level between 40% - 60% is considered optimum to hinder the survival of viruses and bacteria and to decrease problems caused from pathogens in the air.

Making changes to the ventilation system

Carrying out disinfection and sanitization of all filters, grilles, diffusers & internal surfaces before re-entry of the occupants to avoid pre-existing contamination.

Viral particles are too small to be blocked by air filters, but ventilation strategies can still play a role in reducing disease transmission. Increasing the amount of air flowing in from outside and the rate of air exchange can dilute virus particles indoors. Adjusting fan schedules and increasing ventilation flows with taking advantage of natural ventilation will be the key. The purpose of making ventilation changes is to ensure that the systems are not recirculating the contaminated air back into the space.

Monitoring indoor air quality

Filtration of recirculated air may be effective in reducing transmission of airborne infectious diseases. The indoor air quality of a space affects the overall health of its occupants. Ensure that the quality of indoor air in your facilities is adequate by measuring the levels of CO2, particulate matter (PM 10, PM 2.5), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) will help you understand the filtration efficiencies and levels of contamination in the air you are breathing.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The last and the most easily implemented control measure is the availability of PPE. All the occupants should be wearing a mask as they enter the building and walk through common areas and take the elevators. Wearing a mask protects others and the wearer. Buildings should install hands free sanitization systems and ensure regular disinfection of the premises.

Fortunately, it is still possible to take an existing building and add in systems that can keep the people inside healthier. Buildings can take help of sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality to track the daily health status of their spaces. ActiveBuildings has built highly cost-effective, plug-and-play sensors that will help you detect and analyse the problems within your indoor spaces, based on which customized solutions for your current air filtering and conditioning systems will be recommended. These solutions will ensure that your spaces are monitored, maintained and optimized for your health and safety, all at your fingertips! You can reach out to us for more information on these solutions.

Even the healthiest buildings need support from its occupants. Keep your fellow occupants safe by complying to distancing guidelines, frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.

Focusing on the health and safety of your buildings will create spaces that the occupants can trust. The changes made now stick around for the long term and they could help people feel better indoors even without an ever-present fear of an unknown virus.

Simple tips to protect your workplace during this Coronavirus outbreak

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:41:43 GMT

The coronavirus continues to grow globally, rapidly - and how! With new outbreaks happening almost daily, it is necessary for employers everywhere to communicate with their workforce and take health & safety precautions to plan for emergencies.

Since we spend most of our time at our workplaces, some extra efforts to prevent the spread of infections in offices is the need of the hour.

Basic workplace preventive measures for the COVID-19

These simple low-cost measures will help prevent the spread of infections in your workplaces and protect your customers, contractors and employees.

Maintain proper hygiene in your workplaces
Reach out to your workers with regular factual updates
Encourage frequent hand-washing
Assure availability of sanitation facilities
Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces
Avoid hand-shakes & keep distance from your colleagues
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Restrict business travel to COVID-19 prevalent areas
Advice employees not to use public transport at peak times
Encourage sick employees to stay home
Screen visitors for exposure to or symptoms of virus

Manage the risk when organizing meetings & events

There is a high chance that people attending your meetings or events are unknowingly exposed to the virus and bringing this risk to the meeting. Take simple precautionary measures before and after every event for maximum safety.

Consider replacing the vis-à-vis meetings with a teleconference or online event.
Include minimum number of participants
Make provisions for tissues, sanitizers, closed bins and hand-washing facility
Have surgical masks available to anyone who exhibits respiratory symptoms
Avoid physical contact during the meetings
Arrange seats in a way so that the attendees are seated at least one meter apart
Make sure the venue is well ventilated with open windows and doors
Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month post the meeting/event.

Reconsider your employees’ travel plans

Restrict or postpone travel to COVID-19 affected areas
Avoid sending employees who may be at higher risk of serious illness to the prevalent areas (e.g. older employees, heart or diabetes patients, workers with low immunity)
Make sure travelers are briefed about the risks and preventive protocol
Ensure your employees know what steps to take and who to contact if they feel unwell during the travel
Employees who have returned from travelling should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and work from home for this period

Have an action plan ready

Apart from these precautionary measures, employers need to have an action plan ready in case an emergency situation arises:

Develop a plan of what to do when someone becomes ill with suspected virus
Figure out a space or room to put the ill person in isolation until the local health authorities reach out for help
Identify and extend support to people who may be at risk without discriminating
Plan a continuity process in case an outbreak occurs in the communities where your business operates

Simple planning and following the preventive protocol can make a big difference!

How Indoor Air Quality Affects Health

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:37:28 GMT

How much do you care about your air?

Most of us spend around 90% of their time indoors. According to a study, Indoor air pollution was ranked as one of the top 5 environmental risks. Isn’t that scary?

It happens that we often forget about air as a potential risk factor for our health because how do you visibly monitor something that is invisible? Indoor air pollution has lasting effects on your health in more ways than you know!

Right from ventilation to indoor materials, a lot of these factors can affect the air quality inside your spaces! The severity of the potential health effects of indoor air quality depends on how polluted your indoor environment is as well as how long you have been exposed to this air.

Some health effects may show up shortly after a single exposure or frequent exposure to the pollutants.

These short-term effects could be:

-Irritation of the eyes, nose & throat
-Headaches & dizziness
-Fatigue
-Difficulty in breathing
-Symptoms of respiratory issues such as Asthma

These are often overlooked, as certain immediate effects are similar to those from cold or other viral infections.

Some health effects may show up days, months or years after the exposure has occurred or only long after prolonged periods of exposure.

These long-term effects can be:

- Chronic respiratory diseases\

Cardiovascular diseases\
Depression\
Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, skin rash or swelling\
Auto-immune disorders

Essentially, increased environmental air pollution results in increased oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level of the body which leads to an increased risk of these diseases.

How do you protect yourself?

Sometimes the treatment of these health hazards can simply start by eliminating the person’s exposure to the source of pollution if it is identified.

What exactly is the best way to treat the air in your home and workplace without releasing more chemicals into your air?

ActiveBuildings has developed highly cost-effective, plug-and-play sensors that will help you detect and analyse your Indoor Air Quality, using which a customized solution based on your current air filtering and conditioning systems is provided to ensure that your home is the safest place for you and your close ones. These solutions will make sure that the AQI of your home and work place is monitored, maintained and optimized for your health and safety!

Poor indoor air quality accounts for a large percentage of diseases worldwide. Identifying and eliminating harmful particulates in your home is vital for your family’s health and reducing the global effects of air pollution. With increased awareness and a proactive approach, your family can enjoy cleaner air and better health.

Coronavirus reaches India: How effective are face masks for your safety?

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:36:12 GMT

The coronavirus is now responsible for confirmed cases of the strain in more than 23 countries outside China, including India. As with any global outbreak, the citizens have the risk of exposure to the virus of their minds. In this situation, it is a necessity to be aware about the effectiveness and types of masks that can be used to protect yourself from this pandemic!

Typically there are two main types of air respirators (masks), air-purifying respirators and air-supplied respirators. Air-purifying respirators help filter a contaminated atmosphere while air-supplied respirators deliver alternate supply of breathable fresh air. The generic surgical masks and paper masks are not recommended for use against virus infections since they provide easy access to air and so to airborne illnesses.

Let’s look at the types of masks that we can use in our current situation:

There is no ONE SIZE that fits all!

The first and foremost step to wearing the ideal mask for protecting yourself is the one that is individually fitted to the face creating a seal.

A N95 or N99 mask consists of dense filters and will help filter out 95-99% of particles from entering your mouth, only if you ensure a sealed fit around your nose and mouth.

Similarly, a Pitta mask is not useful in the current situation since it filters out only dust and pollen. A gas mask, on the other hand, is the most suitable option for such situations. If you are close to the source location of the virus, this is highly recommended as it ensures total safety.

A measure for care, but not cure:

While using masks may be seen as a preventive measure against the virus, remember that it is not enough. Health officials worldwide recommend frequently washing your hands with antibacterial soaps, using disposable gloves and keeping your immune system up as additional safety measures against any kind of flu or virus.

Face masks are of the greatest benefit to those who are already sick, helping them to prevent spreading the infection to others. If you feel the symptoms of fever or a head-ache, donning a mask will ensure the safety of those around you.

The benefits of wearing a mask in this outbreak scenario are multiple. However, it is also of importance to those susceptible to allergies or air pollutants in everyday life. The current air-quality scenario in India has led everyone waging a battle against the constantly rising pollution. While wearing a mask will not protect you completely, it will definitely lower the impact of the poor air-quality on your health.

Mask out from possible health threats:

While taking precautions against diseases outdoors, neglecting the quality of air inside your home is not a smart step. Learning more about Indoor Air Quality and taking the necessary steps will help you stay safe from all the harmful invisible chemicals that the air carries.

Even though wearing masks inside your homes is a good practise but it is not very practical. How can you ensure your homes spell out good health?

ActiveBuildings has developed highly cost-effective, plug-and-play sensors that will help you detect and analyse your Indoor Air Quality, using which a customised solution based on your current air filtering and conditioning system are provided to ensure that your home is the safest place for you and your close ones. Solutions from ActiveBuildings will make sure that the AQI of your home is monitored, maintained and optimised both for your health.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Energy Saving - It Goes Beyond Electricity Bills

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 07:12:00 GMT

Since 1991, December 14th has been celebrated as Energy Conservation Day - a trend that has necessarily and inevitably become a part of our day-to-day lives owing to the fact that we now consume more energy than we could possibly hope to sustain. Energy conservation or saving has therefore become a task which not only industry and government has to deal with, but also every domestic household, workspace and people in general. Reducing the use of an energy-consuming service or using energy-efficient alternatives for those services is what time calls for and is a practice that is slowly being adopted throughout the world. Why energy conservation? Increased environmental quality, financial security and the revival of a sustainable society.

While it is true that electricity is the most widely misused energy especially in domestic environments, it is not the only energy use that needs to be made efficient. A lower electricity bill therefore does not indicate energy saving but we can optimise that by ensuring that we follow these practices:

Sealing cracks and gaps in walls and windows to optimise cooling/heating systems
Natural lighting and ventilation can help reduce the need of artificial systems
In hotter months, the use of drapes and shades to reduce the need for air conditioning systems
Tinted or solar shade windows can help optimise indoor temperature
Low-energy electric cookware in the long run actually consumes less energy than gas stoves

Using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators at the optimum capacity to reduce cycles and also increase efficiency Using cold water to wash clothes whenever possible

Switching to alternative sources of energy like wind and solar even in raw forms like the drying of clothes or regulation of temperature and humidity

The use of energy-efficient filtration systems which can be picked based on analysis and suggestions from ActiveBuildings, and the regular upkeep and replacement of these filters will not only ensure a safer indoor environment but also one that doesn’t need much energy to maintain

Reduced water consumption especially for personal hygiene and the maintenance of our immediate environment

Green solutions for waste management also impacts the amount of energy required to process it after Furthermore, there are multiple ways in which energy consumption can be optimised even outside the house or workspace. Switching to public transport or carpooling, opting for environment friendly materials for clothing and other essentials, green construction protocols and alternative sources of energy to create zero-energy buildings, reduced usage of services that exploit energy like delivery services, etc.

Energy efficiency isn’t a compromise on the quality of life, but a constant effort to make sure it is better, peaceful and more sustainable for us and for generations to come.

Why does a healthy workspace matter?

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:42:01 GMT

The average person spends at least one third of their day in their workspace - be it an office space or their home office where they might spend even more time. The physical strain of working at a desk for long hours, subjecting your eyes to lengthened periods of screen time and working on the keyboard of your computer is coupled with the mental strain of today’s competitive working environment. In times like this, it therefore becomes extremely important to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while working by making sure your health is always a priority.

It’s already known that a quality workspace design in terms of space, colours and openness, lead to a less stressful and more productive environment. A workplace design that considers air quality, water and food quality, lighting, comfort and the general layout of the interior can significantly impact health, satisfaction, wellbeing and staff productivity.

Here are some ways in which one can improve their workspace:

Readily available safe drinking water
Access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food options
Maximising natural lighting and the use of different intensities of lights for different areas
Space for physical movement and activity
Ergonomically crafted work stations and variety in working areas and types

The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of the office has a direct impact on the health of employees and therefore their productivity and capability to perform. Increased fresh air and reduced pollutants make breathing easier, make prolonged work hours more comfortable and reduce the risk of air-borne health conditions, curbing sick days and making working hours more productive. Office plants, green cleaning protocols and ventilation coupled with an air filtration system that can manage not only pollutants but also temperature and humidity can greatly help create an environment that is healthy and inviting.

Every workspace is different, with varying requirements based on the space, the type of work and the available resources. Making this space comfortable for its employees thus becomes a necessary but dynamic task. At ActiveBuildings, that dynamism is not only understood but also dealt with using data, analysis and human-centered solutions that are economical and subtle.

Water Filters - Myths and Truths

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:02:25 GMT

Water plays a huge role in our health and nutrition and is also an essential commodity. While a huge part of the world don’t have access to clean drinking water, most of us who live in cities have access to safe, potable water - most of which is thanks to water filters. But with standards for quality on a constant rise, many questions are being asked about the need for filters and their effectiveness. Discussions bring up things that may or may not be true - so here are some myths and facts about water purifiers and their impact on water quality.

Myth - Bottled Water Is Safer Than Filtered Water

Even though most bottled water manufacturers use filtration systems, they do not operate under the same quality standards that personal filtration system manufacturers do, mainly owing to scale. And then there are countless instances of the water being contaminated by the plastic of the bottle itself.

Fact - Not All Water Filters Are The Same

While all filters share the function of removing some contaminants from water flowing through them, they differ from one another in many ways. Filters are made of different materials that are in turn effective against different forms of contaminants. Knowing what material is needed for which water supply is usually the differentiating factor in choosing between various filters.

Myth - All Filters Remove All Contaminants

All filters remove contaminants, but they all don’t remove every kind. Contaminants can be either:

Physical - Soil, sediment, debris, rust, etc.

Chemical - Naturally occurring chemicals or chemicals produced by industries

Radiological - Chemical contaminants that emit radiation

Biological - Bacteria, viruses, etc.

Not every filter can remove all of these contaminants, while some specifically target one type, and therein lies their difference.

Fact - Residential & Commercial Filters Are Not The Sam e

Commercial filters are usually larger than residential filters with better or more layers of filtration, leading to higher performance and contaminant removing capabilities. Commercial filters are also maintained regularly and thus do not face the same performance issues that the lack of maintenance creates in residential filters.

Myth - Water Filters Only Remove Harmful Contaminants

While filters do remove contaminants that are bad for your body, there are times where they are incapable of distinguishing between something that is good or bad and acts on it based purely on its interaction with the substance. Reverse Osmosis or RO filters, which are easily the most popular filters these days, in some cases might even remove calcium and magnesium particles which are minerals that are considered good for our body. In these cases, the water is still potable, has reduced to no contaminants but might also have a lowered benefit to our body.

All these misconceptions usually lead to one staying away from investing in a filtration system or the wrong one. At ActiveBuildings, not only do they understand these nuances but they also understand that each building or home requires a different approach to filtration based on these very factors. Water Quality is a challenge that can be easily tackled and ActiveBuildings makes it easier for you.

Why the Delhi Air Quality issue shouldn’t come as a surprise

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:48:23 GMT

The air quality in Delhi, is the worst of any major city in the world, according to a WHO survey. Air pollution is the 5th largest killer in India with an estimated 1.5 million dying due to diseases caused by it every year. After Diwali in 2019, the quality of the air in the capital became a public concern once again after pollution levels neared severe in many parts. While the commotion about Delhi’s air quality is relatively recent, experts have known of its condition for years now.

There are several factors that affect Air Quality in major urban cities like Delhi. While overpopulation and the lack of active monitoring & reaction by authorities are what cause it to gradually worsen, the root cause lies with the sources – motor vehicle emissions, industry & factory emissions, construction dust, agricultural fires, and waste disposal fires. The lower temperatures of Delhi also cause pollutants to stay suspended lower in the air, creating dense layers of smoke and pollution, like during the Great Smog of Delhi in 2017.

Among the major pollutants that are a direct cause of air quality issues, particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, are pollutant particles that are not even filtered out by most regular face masks and filters. Air Quality on Delhi’s worst days exceeds 400 on a scale of 0-500 owing to almost 9 million vehicles, constant construction dust and burning of agricultural stubble in nearby regions. But this isn’t old news – in fact, a WHO survey as early as 2010 indicated alarmingly high levels of PM2.5 and PM10. Particulate matter that saw a peak in 1998, which was when the Supreme Court made it a mandate for public transport to use CNG instead of diesel or petrol, has been on a constant rise since 2014 due to the increase in private vehicles, industries and other activities within the city and in areas surrounding it from where pollutants are carried by air into the city.

Given the geography of Delhi, the temperature during the winter, the fact that it is the national capital and the rate at which the city and surrounding cities are developing, authorities should have foreseen the air quality issue. Chennai has almost ten times the number of cars per kilometer of road length than Delhi but only a tenth of its pollution. Why? It is a coastal city that isn’t surrounded by dust and gets a cleaner breeze from the ocean. So, no, it is not surprising that Delhi’s air quality is in the state it is today, but yes, the awareness it is getting now is imperative if we don’t want the city and its children waking up to a health nightmare it can’t recover from.

Smarter, Greener Cities – The Need Of The Hour

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:41:01 GMT

Urban areas are now home to over half the world’s population and every week the global urban population grows by about 1.4 million people. This growth puts a lot of pressure on cities in the form of increased demand for transport, energy, telecommunications, waste management, water, and building infrastructure. This same population also consumes 70% of the energy that we produce; which means that, now more than ever, we need to make a change – for the better.

Technology has been a powerful tool in our advancement as a civilization, but at the same time can be accused of disturbing our planet. It has progressed to help us adapt and survive but it also possesses the ability to cause massive destruction. Technological progress has brought in remarkable prosperity but has failed to grow environmentally. The Earth’s limited resources are depleting due to their misuse and overuse, and the growing urban population is creating an irreversible impact on our environment. In a time where our survival depends on technology that is also causing our home harm, we need to learn to use it efficiently in the places where their impact is the greatest – our cities.

A smart city is an urban area that collects and then uses data to manage resources and services efficiently including transportation, utilities, waste management, and other information and community services. These cities are theoretically designed to minimize their impact on the environment while maximizing comfort, productivity and even assets that can be given back towards the betterment of the environment. A smart city integrates information and communication technology with physical devices to optimize the living conditions of the city with minimum wastage of resources like power and water. The advent of such technology would not only ensure that our urban cities are “greener” for the environment but also help us retrofit energy-efficient measures towards the health, prosperity, and comfort of citizens. With pollution levels on a constant rise in the cities, measures can be taken to integrate waste, pollution and environment management into the Internet of Things (IoT) that keeps the Smart City functioning at its peak.

ActiveBuildings is the first step to achieving this seemingly monumental task by improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) using data analyzed from easy-to-install and network-integrated air quality sensors. Smart buildings are set to improve key quality-of-life indicators, such as health, safety, and environmental quality, by 10 to 30 percent, and an economically sound air quality monitoring and improvement system are just what ActiveBuildings brings to the table.

Houseplants improve indoor air quality – Fact or Fiction?

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:22:23 GMT

Be it on a neatly tucked away side table, lining the window sills or swaying in the evening breeze of your balcony, indoor plants are now amongst the most popular home decoration choices. Not only do they make space look brighter and bigger, but they also help purify the air inside your home, leaving you with a fresher and cleaner environment. But to what extent?

While research and studies exist showing that plants are capable of scrubbing the air of pollutants and harmful chemicals, and it is also widely known that they are producers oxygen, little to no fact exists to their actual impact on Indoor Air Quality. Even the most famous NASA experiment, published in 1989, that tested the capability of indoor plants to remove harmful organic chemicals from the air, were conducted in small, sealed environments. Yes, plants do help remove pollutants from the air and pump oxygen into it, but that doesn’t mean they can effectively improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), because these studies wouldn’t apply to the real-world scenario.

“There’s a phenomenal amount of air coming in and going out in most houses,” says Stanley Kays, a professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia. “From what I’ve seen, in most instances, air exchange with the exterior has a far greater effect on indoor air quality than plants.” In most cases, the air inside our homes completely changes every hour, depending on ventilation. Most plants used in the above-mentioned experiments were grown under optimal conditions, which in turn improve their toxin-degrading abilities; a phenomenon that is probably not replicable inside our homes due to temperature, light and humidity fluctuations that any household would witness.

Plants are an amazing way to boost mood and add freshness to the house, but at this time, it is impossible to say with conviction that they help improve air quality over time. ActiveBuildings can make that promise with their economical and equally easy-to-install air quality monitoring solutions, which they use to make sure your home can have the best possible indoor air quality based on your existing systems. They’re on a mission to improve India’s indoor air quality one square foot at a time.

Are air purifiers enough?

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:14:53 GMT

In most urban cities, the past decade has been a time of environment monitoring and maintenance, given the increase in pollution levels. One of the biggest concerns this year has definitely been air pollution and its effect on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Since then, air purifiers have been a constantly evolving constant in almost every home, with new research and additions taking place every year. But, with the rate at which air quality is deteriorating, will air purifiers be enough?

Most air purifiers work with multiple layers of filters, that remove pollutant particles from the air based on their size. The most commonly monitored particulate matter sizes are 2.5 microns (PM2.5) which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals and combustion particles, etc., and 10 microns (PM10) which includes dust, pollen, mold, etc.

Is the air inside your home really safe for your kids?

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 10:33:52 GMT

How many times have you covered your child’s face when a vehicle passes by on the street? As parents, we always want what’s best for our children, making sure that little to nothing poses them any harm. While that may be difficult in the great outdoors, our homes are where we keep the safest. But, is that really the case?

With the advent of technology and given the amount of time we spend indoors, the quality of air that exists within the confines of our homes might pose a greater threat to us than that of the air outside. Gases released from household products, air conditioners, fumes from equipment, dust, dirt, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), coupled with the air that finds its way in through open doors and windows, all build up inside our homes deteriorating the Indoor Air Quality

Children breathe faster than adults, and babies are closer to the ground where heavy contaminants hang in the air and hence take in more of this polluted air. While you may be able to control what they eat, what they drink, the cleanliness of what they touch, and the disinfection of the things they interact with, the air they breathe is the source of harm that you can’t see.

Harmful effects of Indoor Air Pollution

Headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Coughing, sneezing and upper respiratory troubles

Chronic Eye irritation

Rashes and other skin ailments

Making sure the air inside your home is therefore of the utmost importance when it comes to ensuring your child’s health and safety. But how do you manage that which you can’t see? While ventilation is a good practice, it’s not enough.

ActiveBuildings has developed highly cost-effective, plug-and-play sensors that will help you detect and analyse your Indoor Air Quality, using which customised solutions based on your current air filtering and conditioning system are provided to ensure that your home is the safest place for you and your child. Solutions from ActiveBuildings will make sure that the IAQ of your home is monitored, maintained and optimised both for your family’s health and your wallet.

Are Air Conditioners a safer alternative?

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:23:49 GMT

To live comfortably in a city like Mumbai, or anywhere in India for that matter, Air conditioners have become a necessity. Air conditioners are an escape from the increasing levels of heat in the atmosphere. Indoor air quality is 10 times more harmful than outdoor air given space, time spent and concentration of pollutants, and it is assumed that Air Conditioners can repair the indoor air quality. However, they manage to contribute more towards lowering the quality of air while only conditioning it and not treating it.

Air conditioners successfully keep homes or workplaces cool but fail to keep them pollutant free. As surprising as this may be, it also raises the question of what air filters do in air conditioners if they’re not safe to use. There are small allergens in indoor air which the air filter fails to filter out, adding more to poor quality indoor air.

PM 2.5 is a small particulate matter in which air filters in air conditioning systems fail to filter creating an uncomfortable workplace, breathing problems, lack of attention and low productivity, etc. Air conditioners alone put the atmosphere in more danger but one doesn’t have to remove them to improve indoor air quality.

ActiveBuildings are here to help with such issues. We design sensors that help determine air quality and offer solutions based on current air filtering systems and their optimization. ActiveBuildings is on a mission to monitor and improve the level of air quality and optimize the energy consumption and air quality of every building through solutions that are not only cost-efficient but also tailor-made to each building, its use, its occupants and its existing quality solutions.

Festive Season Air Pollution and its Effect on Indoor Air Quality

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:13:22 GMT

The last few months of the year bring celebrations and festivities to the streets and to households with Diwali, the wedding season and an array of festivals that take the country by storm. While they bring happiness, they also are a direct cause of air pollution with a sudden increase in heat, smoke, and other particulate matter from the fireworks, flames, and lights.

For years now, a number of urban citizens have not only boycotted these health hazards but have also protested their use due to the noise pollution, air pollution, littering and general risk to safety. While the reasons are incredibly strong, a few fail to see the impact of these pollutants because it is believed to stop outside the confines of our four walls. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Pollution levels in the capital shot up after the fireworks began, as most of the air quality monitoring stations in New Delhi recorded their AQI in “very low” or beyond. The colder weather cause pollutants to remain trapped at lower altitudes, creating layers of “smog” over most urban areas. And while you would love to believe that you’re safe from the impact of poor air once you’re indoors, the reality is quite the opposite. Understanding the effect of outdoor air pollution on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the first step in our battle against its effects on our health, including respiratory conditions, heart disease, and even cancer.

The most common means for outdoor air to pollute indoor air is through open windows and doors, which is very difficult to completely control. Cracks in walls, doors, and windows could also be another route of entry and the ventilation system in the building will bring pollutants along with fresh air. You spend more than 80% of your day indoors and even more so when the air outside is polluted. During the festive season, the humidity due to the number of people, the heat from open flames and other activities, and other deterrents to air quality are already present indoors, in addition to those which come from the ever-increasing pollution outside.

While air pollution is subject to heat, wind, and other factors that act as natural filters, the quality indoors is can only be controlled by you. And that can work in your favor. With ActiveBuildings’ air quality sensors, you can not only monitor and analyze your current IAQ but also improve it with personalized solutions or optimize your current quality control systems using the data gathered to make sure you’re not taken by surprise this festive season.

What does the average Indian lose because of bad air quality?

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:08:25 GMT

India houses nearly 15 of the 20 most polluted cities worldwide, which means almost 700 million are exposed to unhealthy air. Air pollution is caused by a combination of outdoor and indoor air, leaving more than 75% of Indians at risk. Air quality is the third leading cause of health risks and deaths worldwide and is now a bigger concern than it once was.

A study concluded that China and India together contribute more than half of the overall global deaths due to air pollution, witnessing 1.2 million deaths. Life expectancy has decreased by 2.6 years in India due to mounting air pollution; a child born today in India would die 20 months sooner because of the poor air quality as compared to a scenario with lower air pollution. This reflects that the overall survival of India is on the edge and that the citizens themselves must take responsibility as well.

Considering the fact that air quality in the Indian capital has tremendously deteriorated, raises a concern about how much worse it can get. Northern India is fighting a downhill battle with air quality. The expected delay in the withdrawal of monsoon has caused a cyclonic atmosphere which makes the air more stagnant and thus more prone to pollutant concentration. According to the data, millions have suffered serious diseases or even death due to the poor air quality in 2017. And this number will keep growing until we do something about ourselves.

With all the talk of smart cities, conversation needs to begin within the confines of our 4 walls. Air quality should be tackled in a way that would enhance the life of the city as well as individuals. Outdoor air quality is a long battle to achieve, but we can start small by at least improving our indoor air. A smaller, yet much more significant battle, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has a longer and more direct impact on our lives and it must be managed before it causes major physical and mental health issues.

Can green buildings help you lower your bills?

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 11:09:39 GMT

What is the cost of India’s air pollution? India houses nearly 15 of the 20 most polluted cities worldwide, which means almost 700 million are exposed to unhealthy air. Air pollution is caused by a combination of outdoor and indoor air, leaving more than 75% of Indians at risk. Air quality is the third leading cause of health risks and deaths worldwide and is now a bigger concern that it once was.

Solutions Are Endless, But They Need To Be Smarter

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 07:39:00 GMT

If a bug in your food makes you throw it out or a smoke-filled street makes you change your route, then why should the air quality in your home or office, where 90% of your time is spent, go unmanaged? Generally, people refer to air pollution as smoke from vehicles and industry, but indoor air pollution is a hidden killer that has an, unfortunately, higher and constant impact on you.

What makes Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) a larger concern?

Concentration - Smaller spaces equals the higher density of pollutants

Significance - Pollutants that have a direct impact on your physical and mental health

Exchange of particles

Studies suggest that the environment we work in or spend most of our time has a major impact on our productivity, working culture, growth, and development. People browse the internet to live a healthy life - looking for tips and tricks in an attempt to live a pollution-free life using plants, air purifiers, air conditioners, water filters. But are these attempts enough to create a healthy indoor environment?

ActiveBuildings engineers cost-efficient sensors and solutions to monitor, analyze and thereby improve Air quality and water quality, and provide utilities customized for the different needs of different buildings. Buildings are dynamic in nature compared to the outdoor environment because the air inside carries exhalation of humans, the smell of shoes, particles of dry-cleaned suits, etc., coupled with the pollutants from the air introduced from outside which makes the environment quite unhealthy. While solutions exist, they are not the same for every building. Keeping these issues in mind, ActiveBuildings is on a mission to improve the quality of life of India square foot by square foot to ensure every building can provide its occupants with a healthier and happier environment.