Why Fresh Air is Critical in Modern Commercial and Residential Structures

Victor da Silvas, Project Manager, Skanska

Pollution and harmful elements are kept to a minimum in modern homes. However, it's essential to take in the fresh air all the time

The design of building construction has changed significantly during the last century or two. The emphasis has switched to energy efficiency, with multi-layered sealed doors and insulated windows to prevent heat loss. Temperature and humidity comfort have gained precedence over the demand for fresh air ventilation. Due to their aesthetics and visual attractiveness, glass and steel buildings are famous in metropolitan landscapes. Appropriate ventilation ensures that the building receives adequate fresh air to keep various respiratory problems (Asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, sinusitis, emphysema, and COPD, for instance) and diseases at bay. A home is ventilated in four distinct ways.

- Doors and windows opened.

- Building connections such as joints, cracks, and apertures, as well as the walls and floors surrounding windows and pipes.

- Buildings contain mechanical systems that drive air into and out of the structure.

- Spot ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, including the use of exhaust fans.

The need for a fresh air ventilation system in buildings

With the advancement of civilization and the organization of earning a living, people spend increasing time inside structures.

Indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than outside air quality, and cleaning the interior air becomes critical for a healthy ambiance to exist. Simply opening windows are insufficient to keep the air fresh and vibrant.

Benefits of Fresh Ventilated Air

Eliminate Absenteeism and Sick Leave: Inadequate ventilation and air quality due to a lack of fresh air are related to ill-building syndromes such as irritation of the eyes and throat, inflammation, and difficulty breathing. In the long run, this results in decreased employee attendance in offices. By providing fresh ventilated air, the overall quality of the air is improved, resulting in less absenteeism and sick time.

Increased Comfort: The amount of fresh air entering and exiting the house significantly affects indoor air quality. It contributes to the maintenance of the ambient temperature. The bulk of people spend their time indoors. An atmosphere with an adequate supply of fresh air significantly improves inmates' comfort.

Reduces cross-contamination and transmission of other contagious diseases: Improved air circulation within the building helps to reduce the concentration of disease-causing pathogens, such as the lethal coronavirus. There is considerable evidence to demonstrate that an inadequately ventilated room with limited fresh air entering and exiting creates an ideal environment for the growth of disease-causing microbes (bacteria, viruses, mold, fungus, etc.).

Reduces CO2 levels while enhancing immunity and lung function: Constant circulation of fresh air aids in eliminating CO2 buildup inside buildings. CO2 buildup inside buildings can have a detrimental effect on total indoor air quality, resulting in decreased respiratory function and lung damage over time—increased oxygen levels inside the structure increase general vigor and freshness.