Peachtree Corners, Georgia — A new indoor air quality (IAQ) standard could be coming within six months, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
“The health and well-being of building occupants are crucial factors that must be considered during the design, construction, and operation phases of the building process,” said Farooq Mehboob, 2022-23 president of ASHRAE. “ASHRAE’s long history of leadership in IAQ science and technology will provide broad-reaching guidance through this standard to help ensure the use of best practices for pathogen mitigation, which will assist in creating safer indoor spaces for us all.”
The plan will consist of setting up a team of experts to work on an accelerated timeline to develop the standard, states ASHRAE. Delivery of the standard will include design and operation, alternative paths to achieving clean air, and testing, verification, documentation and re-commissioning.
The organization adds that increased focus on IAQ by governments and the public, along with the convergence of the flu, respiratory syncytial (RSV) and COVID-19 threatening public health, makes the development of the pathogen mitigation standard of even greater importance.