Penn State's Strategies For Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution is a serious health threat, affecting productivity, comfort, and health. With Americans spending 90% of their time indoors, the air quality within buildings is of utmost importance. Penn State University is committed to improving indoor air quality and reducing pollution. The university's Indoor Environment Center, led by Professor William Bahnfleth, focuses on understanding and mitigating indoor air contaminants, which can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, radon, spores, pesticides, and allergens. Penn State's COVID-19 response included upgrading air filtration systems and implementing ventilation strategies to promote health and safety on campus. The university's Office of Physical Plant (OPP) plays a crucial role in this effort, working tirelessly to improve building ventilation and HVAC systems.

Replacing air filters with higher-rated versions

As part of its COVID-19 response, Penn State's Office of Physical Plant (OPP) has implemented an operational strategy to focus on cleaning and ventilation to promote health and safety. Thousands of indoor air filters have been replaced with higher-rated versions in buildings across the University.

MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, measures how efficiently air filters remove particles from the air. MERV ratings range from 1-20; the higher the number, the greater the percentage of pollutants the filter blocks. Prior to the pandemic, most Penn State facilities used MERV 8 filtration, a common, effective, and cost-efficient approach. However, due to the pandemic, OPP upgraded the systems to MERV 13 filtration, based on recommendations from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerators and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Upgrading to higher-rated air filters is an effective way to improve indoor air quality. By using a higher MERV-rated filter, a greater percentage of pollutants can be blocked, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful particles.

It is important to note that the higher the MERV rating, the more restrictive the filter is. This means that the airflow rate may be reduced, and the pressure drop across the filter may increase. As such, it is crucial to ensure that the upgraded filter is compatible with the building's HVAC system and does not cause any operational issues.

In addition to upgrading air filters, other measures can be taken to improve indoor air quality. These include increasing ventilation rates, using portable air purifiers, and ensuring proper maintenance of the HVAC system.

By replacing air filters with higher-rated versions, Penn State has taken a significant step towards improving indoor air quality and promoting the health and safety of its students, staff, and faculty.

Upgrading air filtration systems

One of the key steps taken by Penn State is the replacement of thousands of indoor air filters with higher-rated versions across various buildings. This initiative was undertaken as part of the university's COVID-19 response, aiming to promote health and safety while returning to pre-pandemic classroom capacities. The new filters are rated MERV 13, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, indicating the filter's ability to block pollutants. The higher the rating, the greater the percentage of pollutants blocked.

Prior to the pandemic, most Penn State facilities utilized MERV 8 filtration, which was a common and cost-effective approach. However, in response to the health crisis, the university upgraded its systems to MERV 13, following recommendations from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerators, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This society sets the recognized standards for ventilation system design and acceptable indoor air quality.

The upgrade to MERV 13 filtration means that Penn State's air filtration systems can now capture smaller particles and provide better protection against various types of indoor air pollutants. This is particularly important in reducing the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, as well as mitigating the impact of other airborne contaminants that can adversely affect human health.

In addition to the filter upgrades, Penn State's Office of Physical Plant (OPP) has also implemented a comprehensive strategy to improve cleaning and ventilation. This includes increasing building ventilation rates wherever possible to introduce more fresh air into the buildings. Andrew Gutberlet, manager of engineering services at Penn State, emphasizes the importance of this step, acknowledging the trade-off between energy consumption and the health of building occupants.

Furthermore, Penn State continues to follow ASHRAE guidance for building ventilation and CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfection standards. This multi-pronged approach, which includes upgraded air filtration systems, ensures that the university provides a safe and healthy environment for its students, staff, and faculty.

Improving ventilation rates

Natural Ventilation

Opening windows and doors is a simple yet effective way to increase natural ventilation and improve indoor air quality. This method works best when multiple windows and doors are opened to create cross-ventilation, allowing more fresh air to flow inside. However, it is important to be mindful of outdoor air quality when using this approach. On days with poor outdoor air quality, high emissions in the nearby area, or nearby wildfire smoke, it is recommended to keep windows and doors closed.

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation relies on fans and mechanical systems to increase air circulation and enhance the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This includes the use of exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, which help remove moisture, fumes, and airborne particles. Ceiling fans can also improve airflow, especially when used in conjunction with open windows. In larger buildings, such as office buildings and multi-unit housing complexes, mechanical ventilation systems may be employed to continuously replace indoor air with filtered and conditioned outdoor air.

HVAC Systems

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality. Upgrading these systems to higher-rated filters, such as MERV 13 filtration, can significantly improve their effectiveness in blocking pollutants. Additionally, ensuring proper maintenance and operation of HVAC systems is essential, as each building's mechanical system is unique and requires individual attention.

Spot Ventilation

Spot ventilation focuses on specific areas that produce high levels of pollutants or moisture. For example, using a window fan or a portable exhaust fan during activities such as painting or using hobby supplies can help pull the air out of the room and reduce the concentration of pollutants.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

While increasing ventilation rates is crucial for improving indoor air quality, it is important to note that higher ventilation rates can lead to increased energy costs. Therefore, it is recommended to also explore energy-efficient solutions, such as energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators, which can help mitigate the additional energy costs associated with improved ventilation.

By implementing these strategies, institutions like Penn State University can effectively improve ventilation rates, creating healthier and safer indoor environments for their students, staff, and faculty.

Removing contaminant sources

Penn State's Indoor Environment Center is taking steps to reduce indoor air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its students and staff.

• Replacing air filters: Penn State's Office of Physical Plant (OPP) has replaced thousands of indoor air filters with higher-rated versions across its buildings.
• Upgrading air filtration systems: The University has upgraded to MERV 13 filtration systems, which are more effective at blocking pollutants than the previously used MERV 8 filters.
• Increasing ventilation: Penn State is increasing building ventilation rates wherever possible, and encouraging the opening of windows to increase airflow when weather conditions are suitable.
• Reducing the use of toxic chemicals: Penn State recommends removing scented candles, air fresheners, cleaning fluids, and other chemicals to reduce indoor air contaminants.
• Testing for radon: The University encourages testing for radon, a leading cause of lung cancer deaths, and seeking professional radon mitigation if necessary.
• Using air purifiers: Investing in air purifiers can help filter out fine particles and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to human health.
• Reducing moisture: Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture condensation, which promotes the growth of mould, a common indoor air contaminant.
• Encouraging natural alternatives: Replacing toxic cleaning products with natural alternatives can reduce the presence of harmful chemicals in the indoor environment.
• Turning off engines: Simple steps like turning off car engines when in an enclosed space, such as a garage, can help reduce the emission of pollutants.
• Increasing airflow: Opening windows more frequently can improve airflow and reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants.

Using air purifiers

Air purifiers are an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution and improve air quality. They work by drawing in air through one or more filters, trapping contaminants, and then venting clean air back into the room.

There are a few things to consider when using air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollution:

• Type of air purifier: Most portable air purifiers are of three types: filtered air purifiers, electrostatic air purifiers, and UV light air purifiers. Filtered air purifiers capture airborne pollutants in one or more filters. Electrostatic air purifiers create charged particles to trap pollutants in a filter. UV light air purifiers use UV light to target certain contaminants like viruses and bacteria. It is important to note that electronic air purifiers (UV light and electrostatic) may produce ozone gas and other harmful pollutants, so filtered air purifiers are considered the safest for home use.
• Type of filter: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most effective at removing ultra-fine particles such as dust, dander, pollen, mold, and other common allergens. They are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns. When choosing a HEPA filter, look for a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 13.
• Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): The CADR is the amount of clean air the purifier can deliver. It is recommended to choose a purifier with a CADR that is at least two-thirds of the room's area. For wildfire smoke, the CADR should be equal to the square footage of the room.
• Room size: Air purifiers have a recommended space capacity, so it is important to choose one that is designed for the size of the room you want to purify.
• Noise level: Air purifiers can be noisy, especially at higher fan speeds. Look for a purifier with a low decibel rating if quiet operation is important to you.
• Additional features: Some air purifiers have smart features that allow control via smartphone or voice control. Other features include timers, child locks, UV lights, and ionizers.
• LG AeroTower Air Purifying Fan: This air purifier also functions as a fan and uses LG’s UVnano LED technology to kill bacteria. It offers 10 fan speeds, an oscillating setting, and three airflow modes. It also has smart capabilities and a sleek design.
• TruSens Small Air Purifier: This small and economical air purifier includes a HEPA-type filter, a carbon filter, and a UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria. It has three fan speeds and bidirectional airflow for more effective air purification.
• Levoit Core P350 Air Purifier: This air purifier is designed for pet owners and includes a three-stage filtration process to capture pet hair, dander, and odors. It has a 360-degree intake to clean air in every direction and easy-to-use touch controls.
• Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier: This air purifier is designed for large rooms of up to 1,300 square feet. It offers various filter types, including a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter with carbon to absorb smoke, chemicals, VOCs, allergens, dust, and mold. It has five speeds, an auto mode, and an easy-to-carry built-in handle.
• Blueair DustMagnet 5410i Air Purifier: This air purifier is ideal for baby nurseries as it operates quietly and has dual filters for twice the level of filtering. It uses HEPASilent filtration to remove dust, pollen, chemicals, and gases from the air. It is also smart-enabled and can be controlled remotely via an app or voice assistant.

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