New Task Emerges for 'Indoor Air Quality Management' Due to Cooling Dependency

[Financial News] This summer, the reliance on indoor cooling was extreme due to record-breaking heatwaves. Air conditioners have become essential survival tools rather than luxury items, but prolonged cooling is creating new issues. Lack of ventilation and indoor air pollution are among them. In response, the industry is offering comprehensive air quality management solutions that go beyond simple cooling to include ventilation, sterilization, and dehumidification.

On the 16th, according to Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Traffic Climate Environment Research Institute, based on the 'Characteristics of Children's Disease Occurrence During Heatwaves' from 2010 to 2023, respiratory diseases accounted for 54.7% of all cases among children aged 0-14 from May to September. This is due to prolonged use of cooling devices and the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.
The National Institute of Toxicological Research (KIT) was the first in the country to quantitatively prove that microorganisms such as bacteria and mold in indoor air can enter the lungs through the respiratory tract, causing lung damage and inflammation. 
Seo Seong-cheol, a professor at Seokyeong University’s Department of Nano-Chemical Life Engineering, who researches indoor air quality and environmental health, said, "As heatwaves become more frequent, the use of air conditioners inevitably increases, but at the same time, the relative lack of ventilation due to sealing can cause the accumulation of harmful airborne microorganisms and air pollutants," adding, "Comprehensive air quality management that includes sterilization, ventilation, and dehumidification, rather than simple cooling, is key to protecting health."


The industry is also addressing indoor air quality issues. Comprehensive environmental hygiene company Sesco has set a new standard for indoor air quality management with its air sterilization purifier 'Pantheon', based on extensive research and technology development on various viruses and bacteria. This air purifier, which combines an air purification engine and an air sterilization engine in one unit, can sterilize ultrafine dust, viruses, and bacteria.
The Air Rebound™ technology, developed for the first time in the country, lifts heavy dust settled on the floor into the air and removes 96.7% of dust through 360° three-dimensional sterilization. It is also characterized by its first-class energy efficiency, minimizing power burden even in long-term cooling environments. Pantheon is officially used during the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting and the main meeting at the end of October, supporting air quality and hygiene management at events attended by domestic and international guests from around the world.
Samsung Electronics' 'Bespoke AI Air Combo' is an integrated air conditioning system that combines cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, and air purification functions in one unit to keep the air comfortable throughout the house. Its AI-based sensors analyze indoor and outdoor air conditions in real-time and automatically adjust the operating mode. Ventilation appliance company Himpel emphasizes improving cooling efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide concentration through its ventilation systems.
Paseco, a home appliance specialist, introduced the window-type air conditioner 'Premium 3' with ventilation function, highlighting its effect in preventing air conditioning sickness. Kyungdong Navien's 'Dehumidification Ventilation Purifier' offers an all-in-one solution that addresses dehumidification, ventilation, and purification at once, improving cooling efficiency and managing indoor air quality through humidity control and ventilation during the summer.
An industry official said, "Recently, consumers' interest has expanded from simple cooling performance to energy efficiency and air quality management," emphasizing, "Especially in the hot and humid summer, systematic air quality management will be essential in both homes and businesses to protect respiratory health."

stand@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter