Commercial Air Passengers Breathe Air that is Filtered on Average, Every 2-4 Minutes. Our Elder’s Air in Aged Care? Never.
As an industry standard, seen within American, Korean, Singapore, and Emirates Airlines, Boeing and Airbus cabins are outfitted with air filtration systems that feature HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air).
HEPA filters are 99.95% accurate in removing particulates such as viruses (COVID-19 and SARS), bacteria, and pathogens, making a more significant impact on the air quality landscape since the late 20th century.
The air makeup of an aircraft is generally 50% of new outside air and 50% of recirculated air that passes through HEPA filtration.
Purified and new air enters the cabin from the ceiling and flows through to the floor.
When virus-containing droplets or aerosols are ejected into the air, they fall to the floor rather than surrounding seats, majorly decreasing the probability of virus transmission within the aircraft.
In most aircraft, the cabin air is renewed 15-30 times an hour or once every 2-4 minutes. In comparison, the air is generally exchanged every ten minutes in hospitals.
Research by the US Transcom saw that aerosol particles in aircraft remained evident for less than six minutes on average and were removed from the air 5-6 times faster than the endorsed specifications for hospital operating and patient isolation rooms.
Commercial aircraft are the safest places on the planet with the ‘cleanest air.’
So, we pose the question: Why do we subject our elderly to unsafe and unliveable air quality when we see the possibilities and strategy our Aviation industry has implemented since 1988?
Australia’s Aged Care sector and elderly citizens are the most susceptible demographic to COVID-19.
We see constant outbreaks within Aged Care facilities and our elderly loved ones, and in some cases, leading to loss of life.
Therefore, why do our government and care facilities not put more towards risk mitigation? Not only does Coronavirus pose a threat to the elderly, but even more life-threatening air quality issues that can lead to respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, or more long-term issues, such as the decreased cognitive ability.
When Aged care facilities look at budgeting for investment in clean air, they must consider the associated cost of proper transmission mitigation when our elders’ lives are on the line.
As an Aged Care institution, clean air should be at the top of your risk profile as part of your Covid Safe plan. And Aged Care management should be proactive in ensuring a safe living environment as their duty of care.
Even Before covid, we have had the awareness of airborne transmission and the technology to fight this for around 45 years.
Euromate’s air purification technology is one of the best globally and is accredited by numerous research institutions. Our systems are ready for simple engineering or free-standing design, suitable for all aged care facilities and room sizes.
To protect your aged care residents, talk to one of our engineers today for a free quote and air purification plan!
