Shopping malls play a significant role in the community as places for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With hundreds of people visiting them daily, they can become overwhelmingly crowded public spaces. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people frequented malls without much concern for their health. However, the current expectation is for malls to provide an extremely safe and hygienic environment for their visitors.
Although malls are implementing COVID-19 protocols such as hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing, they often overlook the potential hazards posed by their HVAC systems and indoor air quality.
Issues with HVAC Systems
HVAC systems are prone to accumulating viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, and other microorganisms, particularly during peak loads or when they are not regularly cleaned. They may also become faulty or fail to work properly. The coils, typically located in dark and damp areas, are breeding grounds for mold and various types of bacteria, posing health risks to visitors.
Malls, as enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, recirculate stagnant and contaminated air, leading to reduced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). This can result in health issues such as fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and respiratory illnesses.
Moreover, HVAC systems can serve as carriers of the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted that SARS-CoV-2 spreads faster indoors than outdoors. Various studies have indicated that HVAC systems can be sources of airborne infections, potentially facilitating the spread of the coronavirus through droplet, aerosol, and airborne transmission.
Health Effects of Poor IAQ
A study conducted in Hong Kong found significant concentrations of harmful substances and bacteria in the indoor air of nine shopping malls. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has stated that poor IAQ can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, sick building syndrome, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancer.
Therefore, it is essential for shopping malls to prioritize the safety and well-being of their visitors, especially during the ongoing pandemic.
Benefits of UVGI
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a proven, chemical-free, cost-effective, and eco-friendly air purification technology with a history of more than 100 years. It utilizes UV-C light at a wavelength of 200-280 nanometers to remove or inactivate viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and other microorganisms by destroying their nucleic acid at the DNA and RNA structure level. This renders the microorganisms ineffective in reproducing and infecting people.
According to research, UV light has been found to effectively kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. UVGI has become increasingly popular in various settings, including offices, hospitals, hotels, schools, and other commercial spaces. Some malls, such as Westgate in Singapore, have also implemented UVGI in their central air supply systems to enhance IAQ.
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