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Rethinking ASHRAE 241: Should Emergency Air Standards Become the New Normal?

by Insights

In recent research on ASHRAE 241, we came across a thought-provoking article titled “Pandemic-Proofing Our Air: How Standard 241 Makes Indoor Air Safer” (Occupational Health & Safety, 2024). While much of the discussion around ASHRAE 241 focuses on emergency preparedness, it raised an intriguing question: What if these enhanced air quality standards became the daily norm rather than just an emergency response?

Beyond Emergency Preparedness

ASHRAE 241 was designed to help buildings operate safely during pandemic-type events. However, consider this: If a school building were to maintain these elevated air quality standards year-round, wouldn’t this significantly reduce the daily risk of illness transmission among students? The potential benefits for student health and attendance could be substantial.

Addressing the Practical Challenges

The immediate concerns that arise are operational costs and disruption to normal building functions. Traditionally, achieving higher air quality standards meant either:

  • Increasing outside air intake
  • Reducing occupancy levels

Neither option is particularly appealing for everyday operations. However, ASHRAE 241 introduces an innovative solution: the concept of “equivalent clean air.” This approach allows facilities to use air cleaning devices instead of relying solely on increased ventilation or reduced occupancy.

Making It Work: Modern Solutions

Thanks to advances in air purification technology, implementing emergency-level air quality standards full-time is becoming increasingly feasible. The standardized testing protocols outlined in ASHRAE 241 provide the framework for evaluating these solutions. For instance, the CASPR Medik X demonstrates impressive capabilities:

  • Reduces MS2 virus by 70-80% within 4-12 minutes
  • Enables buildings to maintain minimal pathogen transmission rates
  • Operates on just 30-60 watts per unit

A New Paradigm for Building Design

As we design new buildings and retrofit existing ones, perhaps it’s time to shift our perspective. Instead of viewing enhanced air quality as an emergency measure, we should consider making it the default standard. The question becomes not just about meeting minimum requirements, but about optimizing for occupant health and well-being every day. The technology exists. The standards are in place. The only remaining question is: Shouldn’t we be designing all our buildings to operate at the lowest possible transmission rate as a matter of course?

For more details on ASHRAE 241 testing protocols, see our previous blog post [ASHRAE 241: Understanding the Standardized Testing Protocol].

 

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Leveraging Smart Sensors for Better Indoor Air Quality: A Facility Manager’s Guide

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Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a critical focus for facility managers and engineers, as it directly impacts occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Smart sensor technology is revolutionizing this effort by providing real-time data on air pollutants, humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation performance. Let’s explore how these powerful technologies can transform your facility’s air quality management strategy, ensuring a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for everyone.

The Power of Real-Time Monitoring

Modern IAQ sensors act as your building’s environmental watchdogs, continuously monitoring key indicators including:

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels
  • Temperature and relative humidity

 

What makes these sensors particularly valuable is their ability to provide real-time data, enabling immediate responses to changing conditions. When integrated with your building automation system (BAS), this creates a dynamic, responsive environment that automatically adjusts to maintain optimal air quality.

Smart Automation in Action

Consider this scenario: A conference room designed for 20 people suddenly hosts 40 for an all-hands meeting. Without smart sensors, the rising CO2 levels could go unnoticed. However, with an integrated sensor system, the BAS automatically detects the elevation in CO2 and increases outdoor air ventilation to maintain a healthy environment.

Similarly, during external air quality challenges like wildfires, these sensors can trigger your BAS to minimize outdoor air intake, protecting occupants from harmful particulates. This intelligent response system works continuously, requiring no manual intervention.

Solutions for Every Facility

Don’t have a modern BAS? No problem. Even in older facilities, standalone sensors can provide invaluable alerts to your maintenance team, enabling manual adjustments to maintain healthy indoor air. This flexibility makes IAQ sensors a worthwhile investment for facilities of all ages and technological capabilities.

Monitoring Electronic Air Cleaning Devices

The role of sensors becomes even more crucial when facilities employ electronic air cleaning technologies such as ionization or photo-catalytic oxidation systems. These sensors serve a dual purpose:

  1. Monitoring device effectiveness
  2. Ensuring safety by detecting potentially harmful byproducts like ozone

For facilities using ozone-based purification systems, continuous monitoring is particularly critical to ensure that any ozone is properly filtered before air returns to occupied spaces.

Safety Standards and Certification

While sensors provide valuable monitoring capabilities, it’s worth noting that many modern air cleaning devices now meet stringent safety standards:

  • CARB certification
  • UL2998 standards for ozone emissions
  • ASHRAE 241-2023 safety testing protocols

These certifications can provide additional peace of mind, though many facilities still opt for sensor monitoring as part of a comprehensive air quality management strategy.

Conclusion

Implementing IAQ sensors is more than just installing monitoring devices – it’s about creating a responsive, healthy indoor environment. Whether your facility is state-of-the-art or more traditional, these tools can significantly enhance your air quality management capabilities and help ensure occupant well-being.

 

Efficacy and Safety air quality

Efficacy and Safety: Critical Partners in Disinfection Technology

by Insights
When selecting disinfection methods for mechanical systems, both efficacy and safety demand equal attention. While many focus primarily on a system’s ability to eliminate pathogens, the safety implications of these technologies can make or break their real-world viability. The ASHRAE 241 standard addresses this crucial balance by providing comprehensive testing protocols for both effectiveness and safety of disinfection systems.

Understanding Safety Requirements Under ASHRAE 241

Ozone Production Control

Electronic air cleaners frequently generate ozone as a byproduct, which poses significant respiratory risks in occupied spaces. Despite its historical use as a disinfectant, ozone is now recognized as hazardous in inhabited areas. ASHRAE 241 mandates compliance with the UL2998 standard, limiting ozone production to 0.005 ppm or less during UL testing procedures. Some facilities may alternatively adopt the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standard of 0.05 ppm for occupied spaces. Both standards utilize UL867 Section 40 testing methodology, measuring ozone levels 2 inches from potential emission sources. It’s important to note that ozone concentrations decrease significantly with distance – readings taken 2-3 feet away in a duct will show markedly lower levels due to rapid dissipation.

Secondary Reaction Prevention

A critical concern with electronic air cleaners is the potential formation of harmful byproducts during the disinfection process. Technologies that effectively eliminate pathogens might simultaneously create more dangerous compounds. ASHRAE 241 addresses this risk through chamber testing that measures formaldehyde production following limonene injection.

Particulate Generation

Indoor air quality depends heavily on particulate control. ASHRAE 241 requires verification that disinfection technologies do not generate additional particulate matter during operation – a crucial consideration for maintaining clean air environments.

Acoustic Considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us an unexpected lesson about safety compliance: noise levels matter. When disinfection devices generate excessive noise, occupants often disable them, negating their protective benefits. Many portable units deployed during the pandemic were ultimately abandoned due to their disruptive noise levels. ASHRAE 241 recognizes acoustic performance as a key factor in sustained operational effectiveness.

Unified Testing Protocol

A distinctive strength of ASHRAE 241 lies in its integrated testing approach. Safety and efficacy testing must be conducted on the same device in the same chamber, preventing manufacturers from using different variants to achieve separate safety and efficacy certifications. This unified protocol ensures that performance claims reflect real-world operation.

Making Informed Selections

For mechanical engineers, choosing disinfection technologies tested to ASHRAE 241 standards represents an investment in comprehensive protection. These systems are designed to: – Minimize exposure to hazardous substances – Maintain compliance with rigorous safety protocols – Ensure long-term operational sustainability While alternative disinfection methods may demonstrate effectiveness in isolated metrics, ASHRAE 241-certified technologies offer validated performance across both safety and efficacy parameters. This comprehensive validation makes them particularly suitable for critical environments where reliability and safety cannot be compromised.

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CDC Guidelines: The Importance of Air Exchange for Health Safety

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Understanding the CDC’s Role

As America’s frontline defense in public health protection, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nations’s leading public health institution. T he CDC’s mission encompasses everything from disease prevention to public health guidance. Their expertise spans multiple areas, including:

  • Monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks both domestically and globally
  • Conducting cutting-edge scientific research on health hazards and diseases
  • Providing evidence-based recommendations to healthcare providers and the public
  • Developing programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent illness
  • Collecting and analyzing crucial health data to inform policy decisions

The CDC’s Stance on Air Quality

Among their many public health recommendations, the CDC places significant emphasis on air quality management, particularly in preventing respiratory illness transmission. Their guidance centers on one crucial metric: air exchanges per hour (ACH).

The 5 ACH Minimum Standard

The CDC recommends maintaining a minimum of five air exchanges per hour (5 ACH) in occupied spaces. But what does this mean for you?

If you’re a homeowner, the CDC suggests a simple yet effective strategy: switch your thermostat fan setting from “auto” to “on.” This small change ensures continuous air circulation, even when your heating or cooling system isn’t actively running. Additionally:

  • Regular filter replacement is essential for maintaining optimal air quality
  • Proper maintenance of your HVAC system helps ensure efficient air exchange
  • Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters when possible

The Role of Outside Air

Both residential and commercial spaces benefit from proper ventilation with outside air. This serves two critical functions:

  1. Providing necessary oxygen for occupants
  2. Diluting indoor air contaminants

Advanced Air Treatment Options

While proper ventilation is fundamental, the CDC acknowledges that additional air treatment technologies can enhance indoor air quality:

  • Ultraviolet Technology: The CDC specifically mentions UV treatment as a passive air quality improvement method
  • Advanced Active Technologies: Beyond UV, newer technologies can actively target airborne pathogens and surface contaminants
  • Filtration Systems: High-efficiency filtration can significantly reduce airborne particles

Conclusion

Following the CDC’s recommendations for air exchange rates and ventilation will  significantly impact indoor air quality and help reduce disease transmission. Whether in homes or commercial buildings, maintaining proper air circulation through both mechanical systems and natural ventilation plays a crucial role in creating healthier indoor environments.

By implementing these guidelines and considering advanced air treatment options, building owners and managers can create safer, healthier spaces for occupants while aligning with CDC recommendations for disease prevention.

To learn more, visit the CDC website articles here:

https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html#:~:text=Aim%20for%205%20or%20more,ACH%20to%20your%20existing%20ventilation

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ventilation/about/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprevent-getting-sick%2Fimproving-ventilation-in-buildings.html

 

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ASHRAE Standard 241P, Control of Infectious Aerosols

ASHRAE 241: Understanding the Standardized Testing Protocol

by Insights

The introduction of ASHRAE 241 marks a significant advancement in how we evaluate indoor air cleaning technologies. While our previous post provided a comprehensive overview of the standard, we’ll dive deep into its groundbreaking testing protocol and why it matters for facility managers, building owners, and indoor air quality professionals.

The Problem with Traditional Testing Methods

Historically, manufacturers have tested air cleaning devices in surprisingly small chambers—often no larger than one cubic meter, essentially the size of a shoebox. This approach has led to a critical disconnect between laboratory results and real-world performance. Consider this: you could theoretically show significant pathogen reduction in such a tiny chamber using something as simple as a cigarette lighter—clearly, not a practical or valid solution for indoor air quality management!

ASHRAE 241’s Revolutionary Approach

The new standard addresses these limitations by mandating a testing chamber of 800 ft³ (22.7 m³), approximately the size of a typical office space. This dramatic increase in testing volume creates conditions that much more closely mirror real-world applications, providing more reliable and practical performance data.

Why MS2 Matters

A key component of the protocol is the use of MS2 bacteriophage as the test pathogen. This choice is significant for several reasons:

  1. Superior Challenge: MS2 is a non-enveloped virus, making it more difficult to eliminate than many common pathogens, including:

   – Enveloped viruses (like SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1)

   – Bacteria

   – Fungi

  1. Safety and Practicality: While MS2 is harder to kill, it’s less contagious than viruses like SARS-CoV-2 or H1N1, making it safer for laboratory testing while still providing a rigorous effectiveness benchmark.
  2. Hierarchical Validation: Success in eliminating MS2 effectively demonstrates the capability against easier-to-kill pathogens, providing a comprehensive validation of air cleaning effectiveness.

Impact on the Industry

This standardized testing protocol represents a significant step forward for the indoor air quality industry. For the first time, buyers can make purchasing decisions based on comparable, real-world-relevant performance data. This transparency and standardization help ensure that investments in air cleaning technology deliver the expected results in actual building environments.

The ASHRAE 241 protocol isn’t just about testing—it’s about trust. By establishing these rigorous, standardized testing conditions, the industry now has a clear benchmark for evaluating air cleaning technologies, ultimately benefiting everyone who breathes indoor air.

This blog is a part of a series highlighting the details of 241, so make sure to check out the rest of the series. You can also visit – https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ashrae-standard-241-control-of-infectious-aerosols – to learn more and purchase the full standard.

 

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Combating Student Absenteeism Through Advanced Disinfection Strategies

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Combating Student Absenteeism Through Advanced Disinfection Strategies

In an era where educational outcomes are critically linked to student attendance, school districts are increasingly recognizing the powerful connection between robust disinfection protocols and reduced absenteeism. This makes implementing effective disinfection strategies not just a health priority, but an academic and financial imperative. The stakes are high: funding depends on attendance, and research consistently demonstrates that consistent classroom participation directly correlates with academic success.

The Limitations of Traditional Cleaning Methods

Traditional school disinfection approaches often fall short of comprehensive protection:

  • Periodic surface cleaning by janitorial staff provides only intermittent protection
  • HVAC filtration systems are passive, requiring pathogens to already be circulating before removal
  • Manual cleaning methods cannot consistently address rapidly spreading microorganisms

Proactive Disinfection: A Game-Changing Approach

Advanced disinfection technologies represent a paradigm shift in school health management. Proactive solutions that introduce airborne oxidizers offer multiple critical advantages:

  • Continuous surface disinfection, even when spaces are unoccupied
  • Immediate pathogen neutralization in both air and on surfaces
  • Reduced transmission risk for students, teachers, and staff
  • Prevention of microorganism buildup between cleaning cycles

Real-World Impact: A Case Study

A school system in Georgia provides compelling evidence of these advanced strategies’ effectiveness. After implementing a comprehensive airborne disinfection system in early 2023, they documented remarkable improvements:

The Broader Implications

These results reveal a critical insight: investment in sophisticated disinfection technologies is not just about preventing illness—it’s about creating an environment that maximizes educational opportunities and student potential.

By embracing innovative approaches to school hygiene, districts can simultaneously address health challenges, improve attendance, and enhance overall educational outcomes.

https://www.fox21news.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/649852483/meriwether-county-school-system-installs-caspr-technology-to-disinfect-air-and-surfaces-in-district-schools/

https://www.utep.edu/education/cerps/_files/docs/briefs/cerps_policybrief5_attendance.pdf

Dirty Escalator Rails

Beyond Air Disinfection: A Comprehensive Approach to Pathogen Control

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Since the pandemic, facilities worldwide have prioritized indoor air quality through various disinfection strategies. However, an important question remains: Is air disinfection alone sufficient to protect against the full spectrum of infectious pathogens?

The Challenge of Surface Pathogens

While airborne pathogens capture much attention, several dangerous microorganisms primarily spread through surface contact. Common surface pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (including antibiotic-resistant MRSA), Norovirus, and E. coli can persist on surfaces for extended periods—from weeks to months. These pathogens create a transmission network as people move through spaces:

  • Pathogens settle on high-touch surfaces
  • People contact these surfaces during daily activities
  • Cross-contamination occurs as individuals touch multiple surfaces
  • Infection risk increases through unconscious face-touching

Limitations of Current Approaches

Traditional air quality solutions such as HEPA filtration, improved ventilation, and air recirculation reduce airborne pathogen concentrations. However, these methods have two key limitations:

  1. They don’t address existing surface contamination
  2. Airborne particles eventually settle on surfaces, creating new contamination

While manual intervention through hand hygiene and surface disinfection can help, human inconsistency makes these measures less reliable as standalone solutions.

A Dual-Action Solution

An effective pathogen control strategy must address both air and surface contamination. Automated systems that provide continuous air and surface disinfection offer several advantages:

  1. 24/7 operation without relying on human intervention
  2. Simultaneous treatment of both air and surfaces
  3. Consistent, measurable results
  4. Reduced reliance on manual cleaning protocols

Implementing a Comprehensive Strategy

The most effective approach combines multiple protective measures:

  • Automated air and surface disinfection systems
  • Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols
  • Proper hand hygiene practices
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Regular monitoring and maintenance

By addressing both airborne and surface transmission routes, facilities can create a more robust defense against pathogen spread.

For additional information on surface contamination and disease prevention, the CDC provides extensive resources and guidelines for implementing effective control measures. https://youtu.be/KmyxsnuREGs

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ASHRAE 241 – The new standard on Indoor Air Quality focused on Infectious Aerosols

by Insights

If you are unfamiliar with ASHRAE Standard 241-2023: Control of Infectious Aerosols (241), keep reading for a basic introduction. Developed by ASHRAE at the request of the White House, this standard was created in just six months. Its goal? To offer an alternative solution to widespread shutdowns in the event of another pandemic.

Prior to 241, standards like 62.1, 62.2, and 170, focused on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and particulate levels when it comes to IAQ . These standards are typically focused on outside air and air exchanges to improve IAQ through dilution and filtration. However, standard 241 introduced pathogens as a critical component of IAQ.

VOCs and particulate levels can be measured by sensors, with either automated or human responses triggered to address the underlying cause of an imbalance. Furthermore, most VOCs are putrid, and people instinctively move away from them. But pathogens are silent, and potentially deadly. People in the incubation period of a virus can be contagious and infect people in the spaces they occupy long before showing symptoms.

While 241 is still very new, the impact on future facility development is unquestionable. Between the awakening of the pandemic and the release of 241, both people within the industry and in the general public are more aware and concerned about pathogens than ever. 241 is a big step in the right direction and brings infectious aerosols to the forefront of all conversations within ASHRAE about IAQ.

This blog is the first of a series highlighting the details of 241, so make sure to check out the rest of the series. You can also visit – https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ashrae-standard-241-control-of-infectious-aerosols – to learn more and purchase the full standard.

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