12 March 2020
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REFCOM has produced guidance for members on what it describes as "misinformation" surrounding the coronavirus and air conditioning systems.
The F-Gas certification body says the move is in response to calls to members from concerned clients asking if their air conditioning systems are safe to use.
The guidance says: "Recent newspaper stories have been widely circulated suggesting that research has suggested that 'the coronavirus could be spread by air conditioning systems'. As with many stories like this in the media, a degree of caution should be taken with regard to the veracity or accuracy of the statements made. Air conditioning is often an easy scapegoat target when there is an outbreak of any kind – think of any Legionella outbreak and how the media immediately blames air conditioning despite the fact that we very rarely use the type of air conditioning in the UK where legionella bacteria can proliferate.
"The recent reports of research from Singapore seem to suggest from finding 'traces of the virus' in 'an air duct connected to the room of a patient' who had tested positive for the virus, that the natural conclusion was that the virus was being transferred via the air flowing through the duct. Not only is this unscientific because it does not consider the distinct probability that someone has touched the outlet grille and left the trace amount there, but the scaremongering this creates is unhelpful to those trying to get to grips with the reality of the situation.
"Having said that, any airborne contaminants can be minimised, if not eliminated, by proper and effective filtration and regular cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems. A clean ventilation system is an essential part of a healthy building and it is essential that any ventilation system serving a building where confirmed cases have been diagnosed are sanitised in accordance with best practice, and that any buildings where no cases have been confirmed have their ventilation system cleaned to industry best practice as a preventative measure during this time and on-going.
Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox said: "We've produced this guidance to help allay fears and put the record straight with regard to the misinformation that some newspapers have been spreading in recent days. Please keep referring to our website to see if there have been any updates as the situation is still fluid and prone to change on a daily basis.''
