International. ASHRAE has highlighted the importance of clean air in human habitats just as there is talk of the resurgence of diseases such as Covid 19, flu and RSV.
ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of airborne aerosol transmission, such as the Sars-Cov-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, influenza virus, and other pathogens in buildings such as single- and multi-family homes, offices, schools, and health centers.
"The world knows our leadership in sustainable, energy-efficient building technology, but we are also leaders in developing public health standards that are having an incredible impact on building occupants around the world," said ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins,
"Improving indoor air quality and ventilation became issues of general concern during the pandemic and ASHRAE remained committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of building occupants. Standard 241 is a model for designers, owners and operators of buildings with long-term benefits."
The aforementioned standard provides comprehensive guidance on the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of HVAC systems to control the spread of infectious aerosols. The standard also includes recommendations for ventilation rates, filtration technologies and air cleaning, along with a building readiness plan that documents procedures for evaluating new or existing HVAC systems to determine if they are functioning properly.
"As the fall and winter virus season approaches, mitigating the spread of airborne infections will become even more important. Incorporating the guidance of Standard 241 can be a major step forward in addressing clean airflow goals," Scoggins said.
