Designers, engineers, and commercial building owners have several ways to safeguard indoor air during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Office buildings can slow the spread by spacing desks at least six feet apart and by implementing a few ventilation measures including increasing outdoor air flow. Installing Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) 13 and above filters—commonly used in hospitals—in air handlers can also have an impact. Indoor air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air filters will remove even more particulates including pathogens.
Lesser-known strategies include CASPR (Continuous Air and Surface Pathogen Reduction) devices that spray trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide into indoor air that kills pathogens in the air and on surfaces. Short-wave ultraviolet light is also effective in neutralizing pathogens.
This technology can be employed by installing Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation [UVGI] in high-room [9-feet or higher] lighting applications in mechanical units and heating ducts.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Florida legislature passes bill to reduce retainage on state and local projects
House and Senate vote is nearly unanimous; law would go into effect Oct. 1.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2020
Feds prod use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
ASHRAE provides COVID-19 resources for operating, maintaining HVAC systems
Includes recently approved position document on Airborne Infectious Diseases.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
CaGBC launches new version of its Zero Carbon Building Standard
Version 2 draws on lessons from more than 20 zero carbon projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2020
Concrete industry reduces carbon footprint by 13% over five years
Result mostly due to more efficient use of Portland cement.
Resiliency | Mar 13, 2020
Feds push use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.