6 simple tips for a safer air holiday gathering
The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, but none of us want to give (or receive) an illness. With some simple steps, you can help reduce the risk of catching something during your holiday celebrations.
Even during summer, bugs like colds, flu, COVID, RSV and others are still circulating, taking a few precautions can help keep everyone healthy, but especially people living with high-risk conditions, who may want to minimise the risk of becoming unwell for a range of reasons.
Making your event safer, healthier and more inclusive
1. Take it outside!
Why not move the festivities outdoors? Many viruses are airborne, which means they spread in the air we breathe – this means outdoor events are much lower risk. A backyard barbecue or picnic in the park lets you enjoy fresh air and reduces the chance of spreading viruses.
2. Plan for safer indoor air
Too hot (or cold) to be outside? No worries! If you're hosting indoors, you can improve your indoor air quality.
Letting fresh air in is one way to achieve this. Opening opposing doors and windows, even just a little, encourages cross-ventilation while maintaining your thermal comfort. You might be surprised to learn that you don’t have to have doors and windows open very much to achieve a significant improvement in air flow – in fact, the greater the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the stronger the air exchange.
If you have ceiling fans, turn them on as they can help by encouraging air circulation.
If you have a pedestal fan, you can use it to encourage air exchange. Pointing it so it’s facing an open window helps push stale air out and draw fresh air in from outside.
It’s also worth noting that some types of air-conditioner (like reverse cycle air conditioners) don’t bring in air from outside – they simply cool and recirculate the air that’s already in the room. Evaporative air conditioners push stale air out through open windows, while drawing in and cooling fresh air from outside.
When we breathe, we breathe in oxygen and we breathe out carbon dioxide (CO2). If a room is poorly ventilated, the CO2 accumulates, and levels increase. This means we can use CO2 as a proxy for the amount of rebreathed air in a space, which is an indicator of poor ventilation. The table below can be used as a general guide for good CO2 levels in indoor spaces. There are a number of lower cost, portable CO2 monitors available for anyone to use. Click here to learn more about CO2 monitoring.
The table below can be used as a general guide for good CO2 levels in indoor spaces.
There are a number of lower cost, portable CO2 monitors available for anyone to use. Click here to learn more about CO2 monitoring.
3. Use an air purifier
Air purifiers, for example, HEPA filters, can work to improve indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles, including viruses, pollen, dust and other pollutants. If you have one, set it up in the main gathering area and turn on the highest setting to help keep the air cleaner. HEPA filters are best positioned away from doors or windows that may be open, and in a central position.
Air purifiers can even trap pollens and other antigens, which may helpful for people with allergies. If your HEPA filter has an ionising feature, it’s worth considering turning it off evidence of efficacy for this is lacking and the ozone they emit can cause lung irritation.
If you’re considering purchasing a HEPA filter, cleanairstars.com is a great resource for comparing models.
4. Ask guests to stay home if unwell
It’s the season of giving, but no one wants to give or receive a virus! Ask guests to stay home if they’re feeling unwell. If you feel comfortable to do so, explaining to friends and family the reasons why can help them understand your concerns and encourage their support.
5. Ask guests to test
Asking your guests to do a quick COVID test before turning up can reduce the risks. While they’re not failsafe, RATs taken over two consecutive days can increase the accuracy.
6. Wear a mask
In addition to plenty of fresh air, a well-fitting, respirator-type mask is the best protection against airborne infections. Examples of respirator-type masks are N95, KN95, or FFP2. They can be purchased online, or can even be found in your local hardware store. Respirator-type masks are usually better fitting and therefore better performing than surgical or cloth masks – they can be more comfortable too.
While attitudes to masks can vary across the community, they are an important health tool, just like crutches or a wheelchair.
With these tips, you can enjoy the holiday cheer without worrying about spreading something more than good vibes!
Happy holidays from The Safer Air Project