Search Results

As the world continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic there is a growing body of evidence that shows air quality has played a significant role in both the transmission and health outcomes of those affected by COVID-19. The outbreak which began in Wuhan, China quickly spread around the world and spiked in countries including Iran, Italy and Spain. The medical evidence showed that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions were most at risk and many of the reported deaths were individuals with a previous history of respiratory disease. But what caused these individuals to have respiratory diseases in the first place and what linked the spikes in Wuhan, Iran, Italy and Spain? Mounting evidence and the results of the latest studies point to air pollution. The overlap of highly polluted spaces such as northern Italy and pandemic hotspots is stark, additionally a link between air quality and the 2003 Sars outbreak is already known. Air pollution may be important in 3 ways: Higher death rates due to lungs and hearts weakened by dirty air. Pollutants inflame lungs, potentially increasing the probability of catching the virus. Particles of pollution may carry the virus further than first thought Although still preliminary, the hypothesis is that high levels of air pollution may be one of the most important contributors to deaths from Covid-19. The Air Quality Index [AQI] of the countries are as follows: Wuhan 147, Iran 77, Italy 78, Spain 75 (AQI of 50 or below represents good air quality) In a Germany study, analysis showed that of the coronavirus deaths across 66 administrative regions in Italy, Spain, France and Germany, 78% of them occurred in just 5 regions – and these were the most polluted. Areas of the world with highest air pollution seem to correlate to those with highest incidences of coronavirus cases. The research examined levels of nitrogen dioxide (a pollutant produced from diesel vehicles) and weather conditions that can prevent dirty air from dispersing from around a city. Out of 4,443 deaths over three-quarters were in 4 regions in northern Italy and one around Madrid in Spain. These 5 regions had the worst combination of NO2 levels and airflow conditions that prevented dispersal of air pollution. The study noted the Po Valley in Italy and Madrid are surrounded by mountains which helps trap pollution, an indication there might be a correlation between the level of air pollution, air movement and the severity of coronavirus outbreaks. Historic studies link NO2 exposure to respiratory health issues, particularly lung disease which could make people more likely to die if they contracted Covid-19. A separate study published on 7 April looked at fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in the US and found even small increases in levels in the years preceding the pandemic were associated with far higher Covid-19 death rates. Researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston analyzed air pollutants and Covid-19 deaths up to 4 April in 3,000 US counties covering 98% of the population and found an increase of only 1μg/m3 in PM2.5 particles was associated with a 15% increase in the Covid-19 death rate. The authors said the results highlighted the need to keep enforcing existing air pollution regulations, and that failure to do so could potentially increase the Covid-19 death toll. Ironically, the US Environmental Protection Agency suspended its enforcement of environmental laws on 26 March. Another preliminary study from the UK showed London, the Midlands and the north-west England had the highest levels of nitrogen oxides and higher number of coronavirus deaths. It is not yet known whether coronavirus remains viable on pollution particles and in sufficient quantity to cause the disease In another important development, coronavirus was detected on particles of air pollution by scientists investigating whether this could enable it to be carried over longer distances – thereby increasing the number of people infected. Italian scientists collected outdoor air samples at one urban and one industrial site in Bergamo province and identified a gene specific to Covid-19 in multiple samples. Lead scientist Leonardo Setti at the University of Bologna said it was important to explore whether the virus could be carried more widely by air pollution. Two other research groups have suggested air pollution particles could help the coronavirus travel further in the air. It is not yet known whether the virus remains viable on pollution particles and in sufficient quantity to cause the disease. However, previous studies have shown that air pollution particles do harbor microbes and that pollution is likely to have carried the viruses causing bird flu, measles and foot-and-mouth disease over considerable distances. The potential role of air pollution particles is linked to the broader question of how the coronavirus is transmitted. Large virus-laden droplets from infected people’s coughs and sneezes fall to the ground within a meter or two. But much smaller droplets, less than 5 microns in diameter, can remain in the air for minutes to hours and travel further. Researchers say the importance of potential airborne transmission, and the possible boosting role of pollution particles, mean it must not be ruled out without evidence. Take control of the air you breathe Monitoring and measuring the atmosphere using sensors to sample the air quality means you receive data to make decisions about what you breathe.

A  petition  is calling for the World Health Organization to act quickly to establish indoor air quality guidelines to reduce the spread of airborne diseases such as coronavirus. The petition which urges explicit guidelines around air humidity in public buildings is being supported by members of the medical and scientific community. Headed by Infection Control Consultant at Harvard Medical School, ASHRAE distinguished lecturer & member of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Group, Dr Stephanie Taylor, the petition asks the Director General of WHO to: Review the scientific evidence related to indoor humidity and respiratory immune system response, viral transmission and virus inactivation, and; Produce guidelines on the minimum lower limit of indoor humidity in public buildings Scientific evidence shows that indoor air maintained between 40-60% relative humidity (RH) has significant benefits for human health. This is the optimal level for the human respiratory immune system and will reduce the spread of respiratory disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is thought that the  COVID-19 virus can spread  “through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.” According to a news release from the National Institutes of Health on March 17, these respiratory droplets seem to be detectable in the air for as long as three hours. “Humidification of indoor air gives people a simple means of actively combatting seasonal respiratory infections.” With regard to Covid-19 behavior in the 40-60% RH band, the airborne droplets containing the virus retain moisture and so become heavier and fall out of the air, allowing physiochemical reactions to deactivate the virus. However when RH is lower than 40% airborne droplets containing the virus shrink through evaporation making them lighter. This enables particles to float for longer in the air, increasing the likelihood of infection. The vast majority of respiratory virus suspended in dry atmospheres also survive longer and remain infectious for far longer than those floating in air with 40-60% RH. Dr Walter Hugentobler, MD, general physician, former lecturer Inst. of primary care at the University of Zürich, added: “Raising air humidity by humidification reduces the risk of virus spread in hospitals and other buildings at low-cost and without causing negative effects. “It can also be easily implemented in public buildings, both in private and workplace environments with relative ease. Humidification gives people a simple means of actively combatting seasonal respiratory infections.” The scientists argue that published guidance on minimum humidity would result in: Significant reduction of infections from respiratory diseases Thousands of lives being saved due to this reduction Alleviation of the burden on Global healthcare services due to seasonal respiratory disease World economies benefitting from less absenteeism Improved indoor environment and health for millions of people The WHO currently has guidance on  indoor air quality issues like pollutants  and mold but no recommendations for minimum humidity Take control of the air you breathe VOCs are ubiquitous in indoor air, the questions are: what concentration levels are in the air you breathe? and how long are you exposed to them? Using sensors to  sample indoor air quality  and  measure VOC concentrations  is the only way to know for sure.

Remote Monitoring: The Need-to-Have The paper argues that remote monitoring has transitioned from being a competitive advantage to a necessity. Customers now expect manufacturers and service providers to offer real-time monitoring and support. Not having these capabilities can result in losing market share to more technologically advanced competitors. Moreover, regulatory and safety compliance in many industries is becoming increasingly reliant on real-time data. Remote monitoring ensures companies can meet these requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. The Path Ahead The study concludes that the future of industrial services lies in leveraging real-time data for decision-making. Remote monitoring is the foundation of this future, enabling companies to innovate and deliver superior value to their customers. Conclusion Remote monitoring in industrial services is no longer a "nice-to-have" feature—it is a "need-to-have" necessity for staying competitive in today’s market. Companies that embrace this technology will not only optimize their operations but also build stronger, data-driven relationships with their customers. As industries move toward greater connectivity, remote monitoring systems will be at the heart of this transformation.

The white paper " Trends in Remote Services & Monitoring ," published by PMMI in January 2024, provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of remote services in the packaging and processing industry. Drawing insights from 144 end-user companies and 36 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the USA, the report highlights the increasing adoption of remote technologies and the factors influencing this shift to this technology. Adoption of Remote Services End-users are progressively integrating various remote services into their operations, including: Virtual Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs):  Utilizing video conferencing and streaming, equipment suppliers conduct hybrid FATs, combining remote streaming with a minimal on-site presence to ensure machinery meets specifications. Remote Support:  When internal teams encounter challenges, they seek assistance from equipment suppliers through phone calls, video conferencing, or augmented reality, enabling detailed remote technical support. Remote Commissioning:  Employing video conferencing, end-user plants perform commissioning with remote guidance from equipment suppliers, sometimes using a hybrid model with limited on-site representation. Remote Training:  Equipment suppliers provide training to end-user technicians and operators remotely, eliminating the need for on-site visits. Remote Monitoring:  Leveraging IoT technology and cloud computing, both end-users and equipment suppliers monitor machine performance, status, and behavior from a distance. Predictive Maintenance:  An advanced monitoring approach that assesses machines or components to predict potential failures, allowing for proactive maintenance. What are the Drivers of Investment in remote Technology: Here  are the key  factors that  are propelling the investment in remote services and monitoring: Operational Efficiency:  Remote services reduce downtime and enhance productivity by enabling swift issue resolution without the delays associated with on-site visits. Cost Reduction:  Minimizing the need for travel and on-site interventions leads to significant cost savings for both end-users and equipment suppliers. Access to Expertise:  Remote services provide immediate access to specialized knowledge, ensuring that complex issues are addressed promptly. Data-Driven Decision Making:  Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance offer valuable data insights, facilitating informed decisions and strategic planning. What are the Barriers to Adoption of remote Technologies. Despite the advantages, certain challenges hinder the widespread adoption of remote services: Security Concerns:  Allowing remote access to plant operations raises cybersecurity issues, necessitating robust measures to protect sensitive data. Technological Limitations:  Some facilities may lack the necessary infrastructure or face compatibility issues with existing systems. Resistance to Change:  Cultural resistance and a preference for traditional methods can impede the acceptance of remote services. Addressing Skills Gaps Remote services play a crucial role in mitigating skills shortages by: Providing Remote Expertise:  Enabling access to specialized knowledge without the need for on-site presence. Facilitating Training:  Offering remote training programs to upskill existing staff efficiently. Future Outlook The white paper suggests a continued shift towards remote services, with a hybrid approach combining remote and in-person interactions becoming the norm. This evolution is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve access to expertise across the industry. In conclusion, the "Trends in Remote Services & Monitoring" white paper underscores the transformative impact of remote technologies in the packaging and processing sector. By embracing these trends, companies can navigate the challenges of modern manufacturing and position themselves for sustained success.