A Clean Air in Buildings Challenge by the Environmental Protection Agency will help building operators and owners cut risks from airborne viruses and other indoor contaminants.
The challenge was made as part of the current administration's National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. The EPA made the call to action and issued a concise set of guiding principles and actions to help reduce the risks from contaminants in buildings, the EPA said in a March 17 news release.
"Protecting our public health means improving our indoor air quality. Today, EPA is following through on President Biden’s plan to move our nation forward in a healthy, sustainable way as we fight COVID-19,” Michael Regan, EPA administrator, said.
He said facility staff and building managers found themselves taking steps to improve air quality in their buildings to keep occupants healthy and safe during the pandemic. The nation is grateful for those efforts, Regan said.
In the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, participants will create a clean indoor air action plan, enhance air filtration and cleaning and optimize fresh air ventilation. They also will create community engagement, education and communication, the EPA said.
It’s not just prevention strategies like vaccines for infectious diseases that are important. Steps taken to improve ventilation and filtration are vital for a building’s health by reducing the risk of exposure to particles, aerosols and other contaminants. Improving the indoor air quality will aid occupants’ health, the EPA said.
