Air purification can support transition to a new normal, according to study

<![CDATA[Many Brits intend to persevere with masks and social distancing despite government restrictions easing, a recent study by Andrews Sykes has found.

We conducted a survey of 2,000 adults who revealed their thoughts and attitudes towards the idea of reverting to normal life once the pandemic subsides.

A staggering 50 per cent of respondents admit they will continue wearing masks for the foreseeable future, despite there being no legal obligation to do so in most settings.

One in three will insist on sitting away from anyone they don’t know in pubs and restaurants, while 28 per cent will still ask for a table outside and 24 per cent will insist on table service.

More than a third will open windows when others come round and 28 per cent of workers will insist on a through-draft at work by doing the same.

It emerged 52 per cent of those polled fully intend to maintain social distancing with people they don’t live with.

Just under six in 10 believe the impact of Covid-19 has changed their views towards the general notion of air quality.

Another 40 per cent are apprehensive to some degree about the relaxation of social distancing, particularly in relation to workers returning to offices.

And nearly a third admit they do not have much confidence in their workplace ventilation system.

Reflecting on the data, an Andrews industry professional explained: “Prior to this pandemic, the main reason people had to worry about air quality was largely limited to pollution from cars.

“Nobody enjoyed walking alongside a busy road with large vehicles hurtling past, spouting out fumes.

“However, now the problem has really been brought closer to home – literally – by Covid-19, with awareness around clean air a huge issue for millions.

“As the nation starts to return to their offices or other places of business, clean air is going to be a really big priority.”

As a result, 40% of those asked acknowledge that they consider air quality more important than any time previously, with a similar proportion vowing to make more effort to get ‘fresh air’ whenever possible.

Another 45 per cent say they will be ‘less tolerant’ of atmospheres that feel stuffy and old, in the months going forward.

At work, 34 per cent are now worried about the amount of people who will be sharing a relatively small space.

A third are concerned about a lack of windows where they spend their working day, and 35 per cent have no air conditioning system to assist the dispersal of stale air.

Fifty-two per cent, meanwhile, admit they have no idea how an air purifier actually works – but would feel much happier if one was installed at their work.

Summarising the situation, our expert explained: “Air purifiers are kind of like big sieves for air; they catch it as it goes through and filter out nasty particles.

“Allergens could include smoke, pollen, pet hair – and of course, bacteria and viruses, which is how Covid-19 and other illnesses spread.

“It’s extremely sensible to have concerns about air quality in your workplace, so we’d advise speaking to building managers about how they intend to maintain air quality in the future.”

—-

]]>