Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of Chemistry, GSSSIETW, Mysuru, had organised an online programme on ‘Importance of Indoor Air Quality during COVID-19 Lockdown’ on Nov. 21 through Google Meet platform.

Dr. B.S. Shilpa, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, was the guest speaker.

In her speech, she explained that COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees and forced a majority of the global population to remain indoors to practice the concept of social distancing. Many countries took lockdown policy to restrict human activities and industry to slow down the virus spread. The implementation of strict lockdown resulted in less traffic and industrial emissions, thus reduction of various ambient air pollutants were observed in urban areas. 

Considering the people stayed longer time in indoor, the Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) plays more important role for human health during lockdown. People suffered from high possibility of IAP exposure risk increase during lockdown as they almost stayed at home for the whole day. 

Indoor air quality has been neglected for a long period. But, with the ongoing pandemic, and the pollution concerns, we can no longer afford to ignore the unfiltered and pollutant-filled air which can pose a risk to our health. Even after the pandemic has passed, it is key to focus on clean air solutions in all indoor spaces like office, home, commercial spaces such as malls and movie theatres. 

Followed by this, she explained about the current building regulations and standards that are less concerned about internal air quality. It can be improved through policy change across the public health, urban planning and building design sectors. COVID-19 has highlighted the need to prioritise design strategies which will improve internal air quality and it can lead to develop strong immune system to fight against the future air-borne outbreak. 

During this time, use of various disinfectants has increased drastically in indoor spaces such as homes, Government and private offices to curb the spread of COVID which has already proven its devastating disposition and with increasing evidence of the virus’ air-borne nature, there is a need for air purification. New-age, cutting edge mechanisms to purify the air, will certainly witness a major improvement in the indoor air quality and overall health of people.

The session was followed by question and answer in which most of the doubts raised by the participants were clarified by the speaker. More than 50 persons, including staff and students of the institute and external participants, benefited through this webinar.

The event was co-ordinated by Dr. S. Bellappa, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry and his team of faculty members.