The updated guidance provides strategies for reducing respiratory virus spread through improved ventilation, filtration, and air treatment in homes, schools, offices, and commercial buildings.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Updated Ventilation Strategies: The EPA’s guidance emphasizes ventilation improvements, such as opening windows and using exhaust fans, to reduce airborne virus particles indoors.
- Layered Prevention Approach: Alongside vaccinations and hygiene, the guidance recommends combining filtration, air cleaning, and administrative controls to limit respiratory virus spread.
- Focus on Public Spaces: Specific recommendations are provided for high-traffic areas like schools, offices, and commercial buildings to enhance indoor air quality and safety.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated guidance on indoor air quality strategies for preventing the spread of common respiratory viruses in homes, schools, offices, and commercial buildings.
EPA’s updated guidance reflects the latest science on indoor air quality strategies and recent ventilation recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a news release from the agency.
“This updated guidance will be a valuable tool in protecting against the spread of common airborne respiratory viruses indoors, where we spend about 90% of our time,” says Joseph Goffman, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, in the release. “In addition to immunizations, handwashing, and other key preventive measures, taking action to promote healthier indoor air helps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors.”
Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses Indoors
The updated guidance outlines how to implement ventilation strategies, such as opening doors and windows, as part of a multi-layered approach to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors. The approach includes filtration improvements, such as upgrading the filter in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; using a portable air cleaner; running fans to circulate air indoors; and operating exhaust, window, and attic fans to further reduce the amount of virus particles in the air.
This multi-layered approach also addresses the use of air treatment technologies, administrative controls, and cleaning and disinfection practices. The updated guidance also outlines specific strategies and considerations for public indoor spaces, such as schools, offices, and commercial buildings.
View EPA’s updated guidance and learn more:
