School: investing in CMV is a must
CMV should be compulsory, rather than optional in Italian schools. The reason for this is that controlled mechanical ventilation systems represent one of the most important defences against the spread of Covid-19 inside public buildings.
This point has been demonstrated by several scientific studies carried out by renowned hospitals and research institutions, who, through careful experimentation and targeted investigation, have confirmed the efficiency of this type of equipment.
The beneficial effects are so significant that in some regions of Italy, calls for tender have been organised to promote their use, in order to allow people to protect themselves from the risks of the pandemic as far as possible.
Why CMV in schools can make the difference
It is known that the SARS-CoV2 pathogen is spread mainly through droplets and aerosols from the coughs and sneezes of infected individuals. The distance these can reach is therefore limited, but still dangerous.
In laboratory simulations, the average distance that droplets from a cough can reach was estimated to be 1.76 metres. People within this distance range have an 11% chance of breathing the infected particles under conditions of normal air circulation, so with standard air conditioning either on or off. However, those further away, at a distance of around 4 metres, do not risk infection.
By using a CMV system, which guarantees twice the air conditioning capacity of ordinary systems, these figures change considerably. The chances of the people nearest the infected individual being reached by the ‘toxic cloud’ are reduced to 0.3%, while those further away face a much more limited risk of just 0.08%.
As is clear from the information gathered during the experiments, CMV in schools could reduce the risk of the infection spreading by up to 99.6%. Air treatment should therefore be a priority in all school buildings, to guarantee healthy air in all areas, thereby providing a safe environment for students and teachers.
Features of the ideal CMV system
In order to ensure maximum efficiency of CMV equipment in schools, it is essential that systems should feature certain characteristics. First of all, the size of the equipment must be able to guarantee sufficient air supply, as set out in DM 18.12.1975 (point 5.3.12).
It is also important to ensure that the equipment is fitted with a heat recovery system, which is fundamental for energy saving. Systems which mix incoming and outgoing air should be excluded.
Regarding energy saving, it is required that any systems installed should be equipped with remote control systems. This enables constant monitoring of the air quality, with the option to turn the equipment on or off remotely, or set functioning times in advance.
For use in school environments, it is also essential that the noise of CMV systems should be reduced to a minimum. The maximum permitted levels of noise pollution are outlined in regulations UNI 11532 prospect 8 and UNI 8199:2016.
The final point involves the maintenance and cleaning of the equipment purchased. The school authorities who decide to make use of government funding for the installation of CMV systems in school buildings are also responsible for maintaining them in good working order.
The first CMV call for tender is in the Marche region
So far, the first official bid for tender regarding the installation of MCV in schools has been in the Marche Region. Provinces and councils are set to benefit from over two million euros which have been allocated to them, proportionally 30% and 70% each. The contribution for an individual school building is 4000 euros per room.
The allocation of funding took place according to the order in which the bids were presented, which had to be submitted from 1st March 2021 (10:00am) until 10th March 2021 (23:59), via the SIGEF platform.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
