The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)j pandemic has demonstrated the importance of appropriate building ventilation and air filtration selection, an issue that has been notoriously overlooked for decades, according to one of the world’s leading IAQ experts, Dr. Iyad Al-Attar.
He said the entire world is now paying a hefty price for this negligence.
“It is of paramount importance for the community to realise that there are no low cost, short term and over-the-counter solutions as far as designed ventilation and filtration systems are concerned,” Dr Al-Attar said.
“The first corrective action toward enhancing air quality is making an appropriate filter based on the physical and chemical characterisation of the airborne contaminants in the air we breathe.”
Dr Al-Attar pointed to a misinformation problem, driven by commercial interests, which has overshadowed key messages that need to be understood – enhanced IAQ saves lives.
Enhanced IAQ saves lives. Dr Al-Attar’s comments follow his appointment to Eurovent Middle East as its first Associated Consultant.
Euroventhas opened up membership to the consultant community to support technical exchange on a range of pressing issues. With his background in mechanical engineering, Dr. Iyad Al-Attar is both an Air Filtration consultant and an environmental enthusiast. He is currently a Visiting Academic Fellow in the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
In the interests of public health, Dr Al-Attar said it is essential to work together to establish a non-commercial approach and neutral ground to educate a global audience on how to enhance air quality.
“SARS-CoV-2 is a global game changer and we need to challenge the existing standards, maintenance practices and, most importantly, ourselves,” he said.
Eurovent Middle East managing director, Markus Lattner, said improved IAQ is one of the group’s key objectives.
“Unfortunately, we now see how urgent this matter has become. We are positive that with the support and the expertise of Dr. Al-Attar, we will be able to gain more attention on the design, installation and operation of ventilation and air filtration systems,” Lattner said.
“We are excited to welcome him on board with us, as we know a joint effort is required by everyone to overcome the current crisis and prepare to stave off future threats to our societies.”