ASHRAE to Develop IAQ Pathogen Mitigation Standard

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, announced yesterday that it will soon develop a national indoor air quality pathogen mitigation standard. The society is aiming to finalize the new consensus-based, code-enforceable standard within six months, according to a news release. ASHRAE cites the recent convergence of the influenza, respiratory syncytial, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses as one of the reasons for expediting development of its IAQ pathogen mitigation standard, which will help provide guidance for jurisdictions and building owners. Delivery of the standard will include design and operation; alternative paths with the goal of equivalent clean air; and testing, verification, documentation or commissioning, and periodic recommissioning.

ASHRAE says it will gather a team of internationally recognized experts to develop the IAQ pathogen mitigation standard. Additional details can be found in the society’s news release.

Other COVID-19 response resources from ASHRAE are collected on its website.