AUTHORITATIVE GUIDANCE
Approximately one month after the beginning of the COVID period – on April 14, 2020 the ASHRAE Board of Director released, “ASHRAE Position Document on Infectious Aerosols”. There continues to be growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet.
The following is an excerpt from the ASHRAE position document:
“When appropriately selected and deployed, single-space high-efficiency filtration units (either ceiling mounted or portable) can be highly effective in reducing / lowering concentrations of infectious aerosols in a single space.”
RESOURCES FOR YOU TO REVIEW INCLUDE
SELECTING THE RIGHT HIGH EFFICIENCY FILTRATION
There are many brands of air cleaners & purification units, including centralized & room based – all with seemly credible claims. One common industry standard for high efficiency is HEPA. However, HEPA filters particles in the .3 to 2.5 micron range at 99.97% efficiency. While this is a good start, keep in mind the COVID-19 virus is in the range of .08 to 1.6 microns in size. Today’s requirements call for both disinfection to irradiate viruses and other microorganisms, and have ability to capture ultra-fine particles – those particles that can do the most harm.
