IAQ News

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) provides significant funding to public schools in the United States. The legislation specifically addresses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. It's for a wide range of purposes, including using ESSER for IAQ and HVAC system improvements in schools. Under the ARP, $122 billion is allocated to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) III. This is for school districts to use for a variety of purposes related to COVID-19 response and recovery. Especially to alleviate learning loss, improve school facilities, and mitigate the spread of the virus. What Can Schools use ESSER for?

• Activities authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, including Title I programs, special education programs, and other programs designed to improve academic achievement.
• Any activity authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Initiatives that are necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services in local educational agencies (LEAs) and continuing to employ existing staff.
• Addressing the unique needs of low-income students, children with disabilities, English ...
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As a facility manager, you understand that ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality, especially in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. Ventilation in hospitals is the process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air to improve the quality of indoor air. It is essential to maintain adequate air change rates to ensure a healthy indoor environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Importance of Good Ventilation Here are three main points to consider regarding the importance of ventilation in hospitals for optimal indoor air quality: Removal of contaminants: Proper ventilation in hospitals helps to remove harmful contaminants, such as airborne viruses, bacteria, and pollutants, from indoor air. This is particularly important in hospitals, where airborne pathogens can cause infections and diseases. According to a peer-reviewed study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, increasing ventilation rates in hospitals can reduce the transmission of airborne diseases and infections among patients and staff. Regulation of humidity: Ventilation in hospitals also helps to regulate the humidity levels in indoor air, which can affect indoor air quality ...
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Indoor air quality is a top concern of building managers. In fact, it’s a concern of all stakeholders as it involves the health and safety of building occupants as well as the company’s bottom line. Poor IAQ, resulting from ventilation issues or water intrusion, poses a threat. Virus transmission is another cause for concern, however, IAQ testing methods determine the levels of contaminants as well as their source. After identifying risk, remediation follows. Three leading sample collection procedures exist to test for indoor contaminants. These methods identify mold but also organic and manmade particles and allergens too. IAQ Testing Methods  There are several methods for collecting samples to test for indoor contaminants, but three leading sample collection procedures are: Bioaerosol Sampling Of the IAQ testing methods, the practice known as bioaerosol sampling is a procedure that involves air collection. These air samples taken from the indoor environment undergo analysis for pollutants. In this process, air sampling pumps draw air through filters or sorbent materials. Afterward, the filters or sorbent materials get analyzed for pollutants such as particulate ...
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Many of us think of old buildings as drafty, dusty places and as potential sources of mold and mildew. Therefore, it makes sense that indoor air quality in these older structures would concern both building managers and occupants. However, new buildings IAQ is just as important. The Importance of New Buildings IAQ We spend the vast majority of our lives indoors. Many of us spend that time either at work or at home. IAQ is important to our health in both places. Each residential and commercial building contains a different atmosphere. Factors affecting IAQ include the purpose of the building (medical facility, manufacturing, retail, apartment complex, etc.) as well as the number of occupants. The HVAC system also impacts IAQ. A well-maintained, clean system creates healthier air which results in a healthier building environment. Likewise, healthier indoor air leads to healthier building occupants. The benefits of better new buildings IAQ include improved cognitive functioning. That means higher test scores for children in classrooms. For workers, improved indoor air means fewer missed days of work and increased productivity ...
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Mold is a part of the natural world. It serves a valuable purpose in breaking down organic matter, however, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it indoors. This fungus looks unsightly and causes musty odors as well. It also creates poor indoor air quality and prevents the HVAC system from running properly. Mold in ducts threatens the safety of building occupants but WTI | Pure Air Control Services removes mold to create a healthier indoor environment. Mold in Ducts A mold is a form of fungus made up of microscopic organisms. It exists everywhere. Mold spores are often safe in small quantities, but if they come into contact with humid and damp areas of buildings, they grow and spread. Once discharged into the air, spores get brought into the lungs where they cause irritation. Spores also settle on surfaces where they get disturbed and reenter the air. Mold produces mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). While some molds are harmless, many are hazardous to humans. Mold in ducts releases spores that spread throughout the ...
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