During periods of low humidity, the Federal District sees a consistent increase in medical visits for respiratory illnesses. The combination of dry air, urban pollution, and smoke from wildfires increases the spread of respiratory viruses, exacerbates chronic conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and puts pressure on emergency room services. Vaccination remains a priority public health measure, but the indoor environment where people spend most of their time also directly influences respiratory health.
Why the indoor environment became a factor
Studies by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency indicate that air conditioning systems without proper maintenance promote the proliferation of microorganisms, especially when moisture and dirt accumulate in filters and ducts. Data from the World Health Organization indicate that up to 60% of acute respiratory illnesses are associated with exposure to air pollutants, a problem that is exacerbated in indoor spaces with poor ventilation and inadequate filtration.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Heating (Abrava) estimates that about 40% of failures in HVAC systems could be prevented with preventive maintenance, thereby reducing absences due to respiratory problems. The technical takeaway is this: a poorly climate-controlled indoor environment fails to protect occupants and actually contributes to the problem.
What Smart Climate Control Delivers
Smart climate control combines three elements that directly address respiratory issues: fine filtration compatible with the environment, air exchange tailored to actual occupancy, and automatic temperature and humidity control. Air quality, presence, and occupancy sensors adjust equipment operation according to demand, preventing waste and keeping the environment within a safe range.
Patrick Galletti, a mechatronics engineer and CEO of Grupo RETEC, explains that the problem rarely lies in the use of air conditioning itself, but rather in how the systems are designed and operated. Environments with dirty filters, low air exchange rates, and uncontrolled humidity accumulate particulate matter, bioaerosols, and carbon dioxide. Properly sized systems, with up-to-date maintenance and appropriate technology, achieve the opposite effect.
Applications by Type of Environment
In schools, proper climate control reduces drowsiness linked to CO₂ buildup, regulates temperature during periods of intense heat, and reduces exposure to allergens. Studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health show that environments with controlled ventilation and temperature reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses and improve children’s concentration.
In hospitals and clinics, controlling indoor air quality is part of daily operations. HEPA filtration, air exchange rates tailored to each type of environment, and humidity control are all part of the technical design required by standards. In offices and corporate environments, proper system operation reduces absenteeism and respiratory complaints, which has a direct impact on productivity.
What to consider in the coming months
- - Check the condition of the filters and the frequency of preventive maintenance in accordance with the PMOC.
- - Check the sealing of the ducts and the positioning of the outside air intakes.
- - Evaluate the system's capacity to support fine filtration during wildfire seasons.
- - Consider air quality sensors (CO₂, PM 2.5, humidity) in high-occupancy environments.
- - In new projects, specify smart climate control from the design phase, integrated with building automation.
RETEC provides solutions for air conditioning, ventilation, and air treatment in schools, hospitals, clinics, corporate buildings, and medium- and large-scale construction projects. For projects with technical requirements regarding indoor air quality, please contact the sales team.
We were featured in an article on this topic in the Jornal de Brasília (Kátia Flávia’s column). The article, which addressed the rise in respiratory illnesses in the Federal District and the role of smart climate control, included comments from Patrick Galletti, CEO of Grupo RETEC. Read it at: https://jornaldebrasilia.com.br/entretenimento/katia-flavia/doencas-respiratorias-crescem-no-df-e-especialista-alerta-que-climatizacao-inteligente-e-tao-essencial-quanto-vacinacao/