Many users breathed a collective sigh of relief as 2021 began even as users remained cautious about the future. However, 2021 brought new challenges with COVID-19 including new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Other indoor air quality concerns resulted from buildings left empty during shutdowns. That included the growth of mold and bacteria like Legionella. Aging infrastructure and mechanical systems in schools also concerned many Americans in 2021 and we provided advice to administrators on how to address them. As 2021 comes to a close, let’s take a look back at the IAQ topics we presented in the first quarter of the year.
Addressing Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Pure Air Control thought a good way to start the new year was by revisiting some basic IAQ principles. It offered five steps facilities managers should take to address indoor air quality concerns.
Disinfecting surfaces and HVAC systems is critical to controlling the spread.
The first step was to understand the indoor environment as it related to the coronavirus. Data emerged in 2020 that suggested that the virus spreads through airborne transmission. Therefore, disinfecting surfaces and HVAC systems is critical to controlling the spread.
HVAC assessment
Pure Air Control also suggested that building managers identify the various pollutants in their buildings to take the best course of remediation. Particulate matter, lead, and gasses pose a threat as do pollen, mold, bacteria, and other microbes.
The third recommendation was to complete an HVAC assessment to gain insight into the impact the system has on IAQ. Diagnosing the problem first leads to a more effective treatment plan. It also suggested identifying contaminants and sources of volatile organic compounds. The last step is monitoring indoor environmental conditions to prevent future IAQ issues.
Reducing COVID-19 Exposure in Buildings
Pure Air Control also stressed the need for proper ventilation in buildings to reduce COVID-19 exposure
In February, Pure Air Control marked the grim anniversary of the first U.S. case of COVID-19, a point at which over 400,000 Americans had lost their lives. That number is looking to double by the second anniversary in 2022.
It highlighted the need for mask-wearing as well as social distancing, frequent handwashing, and changing traffic patterns in the workplace to address indoor air quality concerns. Pure Air Control also stressed the need for proper ventilation in buildings to reduce COVID-19 exposure.
Improve ventilation
Dr. Rajiv Sahay, FIAS, CIAQP, director of the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory warned of the high risk of viral transmission caused by contaminated air and surfaces and stressed the need for environmental management to protect against transmission.
It recommended commercial-grade air purifiers as a part of the overall plan to improve ventilation.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns When Reopening Buildings
Pure Air Control recommended its Building Health Check as a way to assess indoor air quality concerns
In March Pure Air Control looked at some of the dangers that develop in buildings as they remain empty. Mold and Legionella, in particular. Also in March, it talked about the dangers of mold that forms as buildings remained empty for months at a time. A lack of ventilation in buildings with closed doors and windows contributes to mold growth, especially for older buildings where water intrusion is also a problem.
When high humidity combines with moisture, mold thrives. Therefore, building managers were advised to test for the presence of mold. Pure Air Control recommended its Building Health Check as a way to assess indoor air quality concerns with PURE-Decon as a way to disinfect HVAC equipment and ductwork. The IAQ Guard system provides 24/7 monitoring of environmental conditions so facilities directors can act fast to address IAQ issues.
Preventing the risk of Legionella
Later in February 2021, Pure Air Control addressed the problem of Legionella bacteria. The risk of Legionella increases when buildings sit empty for extended periods. It advised managers to have a plan in place to respond to this threat to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires disease.
This plan includes inspections, assessment, and testing with a Legionella test kit. PURE-Steam is an efficient system of cleaning and disinfecting HVAC evaporator coils, drain pans, and the AHU to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria.
Indoor Quality Concerns in School Buildings
In March Pure Air Control offered practical advice for schools with indoor air quality concerns. It advised them on ways to safeguard the indoor air quality of their classrooms. With so many U.S. schools using outdated, underperforming mechanical systems, the risk of virus transmission increases. Again it suggested Pure Air Control’s IAQ Guard address IAQ issues and keep students and faculty safe.
This system provides readings on particulate matter, VOCs, as well as temperature and humidity. The system tracks conditions using an all-in-one module that alerts a remote team to changes that affect indoor air quality. Pure Air Control also suggests the Building Health Check to further evaluate indoor conditions via mold assessments, allergen and dust screenings, and moisture testing.
