Can Air Sensors One Day Detect Covid-19

As employers around the world begin to explore how to safely return employees to workplace environments, air ventilation systems and their potential role in airborne virus spread are starting to come into question. We wondered if air sensor technology might have the ability to help with virus detection.

Air sensors in ventilation systems currently cannot detect COVID-19. But it is possible that one day this technology may be augmented to help us understand and monitor diseases and illnesses.

We asked half a dozen IEEE Impact Creators for their expert perspectives on the possibility of such technology assisting in the fight against this virus, and how our workplaces may be affected by COVID-19.

1. SENSORS HELP DETECT AIR POLLUTION

“Sensors can help us identify air pollution, which is very difficult for the human senses to detect. There are numerous sensors for measuring air quality, and identifying the contaminants is the next step. Sensors in a room can record the quality of the air as well as the quantity of movement of air to detect whether the proper ventilation is available. It is also possible to detect room temperature, humidity and other parameters, which can help in identifying the personal comfort of the people in the room,” said Ramalatha Marimuthu, IEEE Senior Member.

2. NEW BUILDINGS AND RENOVATIONS WILL BE AFFECTED