Indoor air quality (IAQ) is re-emerging as a pressing issue in Canada, driven by environmental factors like wildfires, the resurgence of certain bacteria, and the ongoing risk of cold and flu seasons. These concerns are prompting commercial building managers to rethink their approach to healthy indoor environments.

Organizations like ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) are establishing new standards in the U.S. that could soon redefine how Canadians manage indoor spaces. Now is the time for Canadian building owners and facility managers to stay informed and adapt to these evolving guidelines for the safety and well-being of building occupants.

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Keeping it clean

While the COVID-19 pandemic initially brought attention to indoor air quality, many commercial spaces have since reverted to pre-pandemic practices, potentially overlooking ongoing risks posed by airborne pathogens. Maintaining safe indoor environments requires consistent and continuous effort and adaptation, especially as new health threats emerge.

Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have highlighted the risks associated with poor IAQ. Legionella bacteria, which can spread through inadequately maintained air systems, pose serious health threats, including respiratory illnesses. The concern doesn’t end with Legionella; the re-emergence of other airborne health threats, such as monkeypox, further emphasizes the need for vigilance when managing IAQ.

In addition to health crises, environmental factors like the wildfires in Western Canada have raised further concerns. Smoke and pollutants from these fires have a direct impact on the air we breathe indoors, making IAQ an even more critical issue for commercial buildings in affected areas.

Wildfire smoke can affect areas far removed from the source. A 2021 study found that wildfire smoke contributes to over 33,000 deaths annually across 43 countries, often impacting cities hundreds of kilometres away from the fires. Pollution monitoring stations show that wildfire smoke has significantly influenced levels of fine particulate matter in the U.S. and has reversed approximately 25 per cent of the air quality improvements achieved between 2000 and 2016.

Evolving standards

One of the most significant developments in IAQ is the introduction of ASHRAE Standard 241. This new standard offers a framework for reducing the transmission of airborne diseases and provides a systematic approach to implementing effective strategies to protect occupants.

Key aspects of ASHRAE 241 include:

• Infection Risk Management Mode (IRMM): Activated during periods of elevated disease transmission, such as flu season or pandemics to ensure enhanced protective measures.
• Equivalent clean airflow rate: Specifies the required flow of pathogen-free air, through a combination of outdoor air, advanced filtration, and air disinfection technologies.
• Filtration and air cleaning technology: Emphasizes using the latest filtration methods and technologies to maintain IAQ and minimize health risks.

But why should this matter to Canadian businesses? As these standards gain traction in the U.S., they’re likely to influence existing cleaning regulations and practices in Canada.

“Indoor air quality is going to be one of the biggest trends from the next three to five years,” said Brant Insero, Chief Global Education Officer, ISSA. “There are going to be a lot of government regulations occurring around this. You’re going to see indoor air quality management evolve within CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard), and also become required as part of the standard.”

Emerging technologies

The focus on IAQ has led to the development of new technologies aimed at improving air quality in commercial spaces. Innovations such as ionized hydroperoxide technology, already used by the U.S. military, show promise in neutralizing airborne pathogens. Early testing at Canadian universities suggests potential benefits, but widespread adoption will depend on regulatory approval and further study by Health Canada.

However, many Canadian businesses have already implemented existing air purification solutions, like advanced High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to capture fine particles, including dust, pollen, and pathogens. Multi-stage air purification systems that combine HEPA filtration with technologies like activated carbon and UV-C light provide additional protection by targeting a wider range of contaminants, including harmful gases and viruses.

Breathing easier

With public health issues, environmental challenges, and technological advances converging, IAQ will remain a crucial concern for commercial owners and facility managers. By staying up to date about new guidelines, technologies, and best practices, we can create indoor spaces that protect and promote public health in the long term.

David L. Smith is the Cleaning, Hygiene & Sanitation Director at Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene, Canada’s largest specialist distributor of cleaning and hygiene products and equipment. For more information or to book a comprehensive Facility Assessment please contact david.smith@bunzlch.ca.