ASHRAE Announces Development of New National IAQ Standards
ASHRAE’s board of directors announced in December its commitment to support the expedited development of a national indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard. The goal is to finalize the consensus-based, code enforceable standard by the end of June 2023.
“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 2022-23 ASHRAE President Farooq Mehboob. “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 announcement stated that ASHRAE will set up a balanced team of internationally recognized experts to work on an accelerated timeline to develop the standard, which is to include:
- Both design and operation
- Alternative paths (prescriptive or performance), in which equivalent clean air would be the goal
- Testing, verification, documentation (commissioning) and periodic re-commissioning
ASHRAE stated that the development of the pathogen mitigation standard is due to the increased focus on IAQ by governments and the public, as well as the convergence of the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) threatening public health.
AJ Manufacturing
At AJ Manufacturing, we feel confident that our products will play a part in helping building owners and developers meet the new mitigation standards. We may not yet know the full details, but we’ve specialized for years in pathogen mitigation, air purification, and air distribution for critical spaces like hospital operating rooms.
In addition, we have continued to innovate over the years, developing and introducing new products to meet changing needs in the industries we serve. We anticipate bringing new products to market, as required, to meet any new ASHRAE standards and guidelines.
Read the full ASHRAE announcement here: