Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Indoor air quality is crucial to fighting the ongoing tripledemic
As the United States slowly recovers from its battle against the “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
Florida can play an important role in effectively preparing for the next pandemic. The collision of respiratory viruses overwhelmed
Florida hospitals and clinics and had a devastating impact on our community’s elderly and other vulnerable populations. We learned some valuable lessons on preventing these tragic deaths, and it’s clearer than ever that more research and innovative actions must be taken to protect the health of our residents and reduce the spread of these dangerous viruses in the future.
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, recently highlighted the impact that the “tripledemic” has had on the nation’s health care systems. Walensky noted that flu cases reached their highest levels in a decade, with at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths recorded during the last season. She also noted that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rose again after the holiday season, something we can expect for years to come.
The fear that we will regress back to the early stages of the COVID pandemic when the next crisis hits is a real concern. To better prepare for the next virus surge, Florida A&M University (FAMU), in partnership with Aura Air, a leading global provider of smart air technology, has established a new Indoor Air Quality Center of Excellence. The center serves as the authoritative organization for studying, testing and analyzing indoor air quality in Florida. By combining FAMU’s science and environment faculty and programs with the technical know-how and innovation of Aura Air, the center will reduce the risks of the virus spreading in polluted and poorly ventilated indoor spaces as well as improve air quality caused by climate change-induced deterioration. Our work at the center focuses on enhancing the steps that Floridians can take to stay safe and healthy when the next pandemic hits, and we already have a threepoint plan that Florida should consider now:
1. Floridians need to prioritize the monitoring and measurement of indoor air quality. This includes using technology to track and improve air quality in real-time. There are various smart air management technologies available that can aid in monitoring and measuring indoor air quality, such as web platforms and mobile apps. These technologies can provide real-time air quality readings, automated adjustments, personalized information and data collection for research purposes.
2. We must develop and invest in innovative technologies that can filter and purify the air, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and portable air cleaners. These filters can eliminate almost 100% of all airborne pathogens that are responsible for transmitting COVID, the flu and RSV, among other serious illnesses.
3. Finally,weneedtocontinueconducting research on the impacts of indoor air quality on respiratory health and the environment. We must use this knowledge to inform policy-making and guide statewide practices that promote healthy indoor environments. By taking these steps, we can mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses and protect the health of our communities.
Improving indoor air quality is a crucial step in the fight against the tripledemic, and FAMU’s Indoor Air Quality Center of Excellence will lead the way in research and education in this area to improve the health of all Floridians. We urge others to join us in this effort and take action to protect our communities by improving indoor air quality.