This document provides basic principles and general actions recommended to improve indoor air quality (IAQ)in buildings and reduce the risk of airborne spread of viruses and other contaminants. These actions, as well as technical assistance and tools provided through the links, are intended to support building owners and operators, as well as organizational leaders and decision makers, to make ventilation and other IAQ improvements. Infectious diseases like COVID-19 can spread through the inhalation of airborne particles and aerosols. In addition to other layered prevention strategies, taking actions to improve IAQ can reduce the risk of exposure top articles, aerosols, and other contaminants, and improve the health of building occupants.
Steps To Meet Clean Air In Buildings Set By The EPA
The best combination of actions for a building will vary by space and location. When determining which actions to take to help protect occupants, building owners and operators should consider, for example, public health guidance, who and how many people are in the building, the activities that occur in the building, out door air quality, climate, weather conditions, and the installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)equipment. Some actions may increase energy consumption and may be more appropriate as temporary measures when disease transmission is higher. Building owners and operators should engage experts, facilities managers, and others who are skilled, trained, and/or certified in HVAC work to develop and implement plans to improveIAQ and manage air flows. Individual actions and layered prevention strategies remain important measures for reducing the spread of viruses.
Step 1: Create An Action Plan For Clean Indoor Air In Your Building(s)
Plan should assess IAQ, upgrades, and improvements, including HVAC inspections and maintenance.
Step 2: Optimize Fresh Air Ventilation
Improve fresh air ventilation by bringing in and circulating clean outdoor air indoors.
Step 3: Enhance Air Filtration And Cleaning
Use central HVAC systems and in-room portable air purifier devices to enhance air filtration and cleaning.
Step 4: Get Your Community Engaged In Your Action Plan
Improve your building's indoor air quality and health outcomes by engaging building occupants through communication to increase awareness, commitment, and participation.
To Read The Original Biden Administration's Release On The Clean Air In Buildings Challenge, Click Here.
