Deadly diseases like COVID-19 and RSV are tightening their grip worldwide due to their airborne nature. As new strains of these viruses affect various economies, experts have been closely monitoring the main contributing factors. A lack of adequate protective measures and poor ventilation are two primary reasons that exacerbate virus transmission. Efforts are underway to improve indoor air quality in public spaces to address the urgent concern of increasing waves of airborne pathogens.
If you are wondering how indoor air quality relates to prevention measures, it is important to know that it is directly linked to mental and physical well-being. Since we spend most of our time indoors—whether in schools, gyms, offices, or shopping malls—this connection is significant. Moreover, these contagious viruses are airborne, which means they spread when individuals share the same air as an infected person.
Globally recognized regulatory authorities, such as ASHRAE and the CDC, have established clean air standards and targets to control the transmission of airborne pathogens in indoor environments. Let us take a closer look at what these standards entail and their role in preventing transmission.
ASHRAE Standard 241 & CDC 2023 Guidelines
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international society comprising over 50,000 professionals who strive to create a better and more sustainable future. The organization recently introduced its Standard 241 to control the spread of infectious aerosols.
This standard defines minimum requirements for the clean airflow rate per person (ECAi). Building owners are advised to meet the target rate when the situation warrants action. However, compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is mandatory before implementing any new standards. This standard measures the total outdoor air per person required to dilute the concentration of respiratory aerosols.
On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a science-based organization dedicated to safeguarding public health and preventing safety threats, has introduced new guidelines to enhance ventilation in buildings. These guidelines recommend a minimum of five air exchanges per hour and an upgrade to MERV-13 filters.
The key difference between the two standards is that ASHRAE Standard 241 is based on the occupancy of the room, while the CDC guidelines focus on the volume of the room.
How can we Achieve these Targets?
Both standards emphasize the importance of air cleaning and filtration technologies in creating a safe indoor environment. Therefore, installing air cleaners in our buildings can help us meet both ASHRAE and CDC targets. Improving ventilation is an effective way to protect the health of occupants and prevent their exposure to airborne pathogens.
However, it is essential to measure the effectiveness of the air cleaners you choose to install. Air cleaners like Euromate’s feature HEPA filtration technology, which is known for capturing smaller particles, including respiratory aerosols. All air cleaners in our range provide a minimum of five air exchanges per hour, ensuring you will not have to inhale stale and stuffy air anymore.
What other Actions can we take?
These are some other actions you can take to increase the effectiveness of air cleaners.
- Upgrade your filters to MERV-13 whenever possible.
- Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Install UV air treatment systems to eliminate germs and bacteria effectively.
- Use portable carbon dioxide monitors to assess CO2 levels regularly.
Need to know more about our air cleaners? Contact us and get in touch with our indoor air quality experts.
