It’s a concept that many experts have been DENYING since we first heard about the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
It’s been suggested that the virus could travel through the air – similar to KNOWN airborne infections such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox.
Yet the World Health Organization (WHO) still claims that the form of transmission we need to worry most about is large droplets from those who are infected.
I’m talking about the “mist” that comes from sneezing, sniffling, coughing, or even raising their voices.
That’s why they’ve got us wrapping ourselves in whatever kind of cloth face coverings we can get our hands on… and standing 6 feet away from each other.
But according to HUNDREDS of experts from around the world, the agency is UNDERESTIMATING the power of the virus to LINGER in the air.
Which could mean that those mandated precautions STILL might not be enough to keep us from catching COVID-19 in indoor public spaces.
Fortunately, there’s something that can be done do to IMPROVE indoor air quality… and even BLOCK viral particles from reentering public spaces via air.
Setting a trap
Ever wonder whether the air blowing on you through a vent in a restaurant… hospital… or airplane is actually CLEAN?
What does that tell you?
Now, there are those who say you don’t need to worry about air quality when it comes to the coronavirus
The WHO, for instance, has not yet warned the public to beware of instances where the virus may HANG in the air in INVISIBLE droplets (a.k.a. aerosols) for extended periods of time.
The latest WHO on the coronavirus states that airborne transmission of the coronavirus is “possible” – but only during a medical procedure “where aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) are performed.”
But are they right?
Not according to what began as a small group of experts in April… and has grown to more than 200.
In an open letter, they’ve URGED the WHO to sound the alarm on the risk of indoor areas that are poorly ventilated.
Because even if there’s no proof that this coronavirus IS airborne… there’s also no evidence to prove that it’s NOT.
And as the Los Angeles Times recently reported, “Proof would require exposing large numbers of healthy people to aerosols emitted by COVID-19 patients.”
Talk about unethical!
Truth is, both laboratory studies and real-world observations have ALREADY given scientists PLENTY cause for concern.
And that means even 6 feet might not be enough space between you and an infected person – especially if the air is STAGNANT.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the WHO to update its guidelines… AGAIN.
After all, the “official” recommendations on COVID-19 have been a moving target since the beginning.
Experts have ed making 3 simple changes:
- ZAP indoor air with UV light
- ENSURE proper ventilation and optimal airflow, at the very least by keeping door and windows open, and
- FILTERING the air.
Now, I’ve shared with you before the benefits of a HEPA filter, which can RID indoor air of dirt, allergens (like pollen and mold), and toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC).
You may already have one installed in your A/C or central heating unit.
Well, it turns out that a HEPA filter could provide sufficient air filtration to SNAG particles that may include MICROSCOPIC viruses.
You can actually buy HEPA filter material to cut up yourself and tuck inside your cloth mask. Just be sure to keep a layer of fabric between you and the filter.
But you may not need something as “high efficiency” as HEPA to CLEAN particulates out of your air.
There’s a filter that’s a notch below it… called MERV-13… that might ALSO do the trick.
As one air quality expert told The Washington Post, the MERV-13 filter
That’s what some schools are considering installing…
And that’s what some local officials are MANDATING for large public spaces, like indoor malls.
Check to see what your local public spaces are offering BEFORE you go out.
If you or a loved one is under long-term care… like at a nursing home or assisted living… one healthcare facilities technical expert suggests a recirculating fan-filter unit.
But if you’re staying at home, you can consider a portable air purification unit.
Coronavirus particles are tiny, so look for a filtration system with the highest clean air delivery rating (CADR) you can find… and a minimum efficiency reporting value of 13 or higher (a.k.a. MERV-13).
HEPA has a MERV value of 17. Hospital environments are kept sterile with a MERV value of up to 20.
Whatever you choose, your air quality can only BENEFIT from it. None of these high-quality filters will cause harm.
Not holding my breath for “official” guideline updates,
Melissa Young