Indoor Air Quality Concerns Pushed Higher

As America reacts to bioterrorism, officials remind us that more people risk death from the flu than from anthrax infection.   For the foreseeable future, there’s no reason to think otherwise.  Yet planning for a future where those risks increase is another matter. 

 

Long before “anthrax” became headlines, indoor air quality was a concern for heating and air conditioning contractors.  In America today, people spend up to 93% of their time indoors.  Because tighter, more energy efficient building construction has led to reduced natural ventilation, indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times greater than outdoor levels. 

 

Noah of Star Quality Air, points out that his industry is now taking indoor air quality discussions to a new level.  

 

“Air conditioning and heating systems filter the air we breathe,” he said.  “Their protection - especially in commercial establishments - will become even more crucial as we deal with threats of bioterrorism.”

 

Security procedures for people who maintain air conditioning and heating systems will be a consideration, Noah noted.  “So many times, a technician will walk in and say, ‘I’m here to look at your air conditioning system’ and be waved right on through.  I’m not promoting paranoia, but there are some simple steps to take such as verifying the name of the individual and the company, verifying the work to be performed and informing security about the maintenance.”   

 

“Just as cockpit doors are being strengthened on airplanes,” he added, “we may also have to look at making access to air conditioning systems more difficult.” 

 

For additional protection, ultraviolet (UV) lights and their ability to destroy airborne germs are among options being considered. “We’ve installed UV lights as a means of sterilizing indoor air and are encouraged by the potential here,” said Noah.

 

“Air filtration has advanced with technology. Home filters can stop particles is down to about 3 microns; even smaller for special applications. So there is a potential defense here and I’m confident that research is going on around the clock.

 

“This is a new day, and these discussions will be ongoing,”Noah said.  “But we’re doing what we can to be reasonable and safe.”