How to: Clean the Air
Increased Ventilation, HEPA & Activated Carbon Filtration, Safest Methods to Clean Indoor Air
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best approach to improve indoor air quality controls the source of indoor pollution. During the pandemic, one significant source of IAQ concern was the airborne virus, SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19. Many air-cleaning technologies were developed to help reduce the spread and eradicate the virus in indoor environments. Unfortunately according to research by Dr. Jose-Luis Jimenez, an EPA featured speaker, some of these technologies actually CAUSE more pollution than they cure. Based on his research models, Dr. Jimenex concluded the most effective and safest options to clean indoor air are:
1. Increasing dry, clean, filtered ventilation
2. Use of HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration MERV 17, and
3. Use of activated carbon (charcoal) filtration
Based on his models, people with prolonged, regular exposure to the by-products of other air cleaning technologies demonstrated no significant increase in positive health outcomes or showed a negative impact on health. For more information about The EPA's Indoor Air Quality recommendations, visit the EPA's IAQ website. The Aug, 2,2023 presentation by Dr. Jose-Luis Jimenez Health Benefits vs. Disbenefits for Indoor Air Cleaners will be made available online. Check here for updated posted recordings.
Learn more about other steps you can take by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website: