ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols
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| Translations: also available in Spanish
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ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols, establishes minimum requirements aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission through exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations. The implementation of this standard brings numerous benefits to occupants and promotes healthier environments.
Infectious aerosols, which are microscopic particles exhaled by individuals, can carry disease-causing pathogens. These particles are so small they can linger in the air for extended periods and pose a risk when inhaled. By adhering to Standard 241, building owners and operators can effectively reduce exposure to various pathogens, including the SARS-COV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19, as well as influenza viruses and other disease-causing agents that inflict significant personal and economic damage each year. The standard encompasses a wide range of requirements covering air system design, installation, operation, and maintenance.
Other highlights include:
- Infection Risk Management
- Reduction of Disease Transmission Risk
- Comprehensive Air System Considerations
Dr. Jha accepts the Presidential Certificate of Honor
Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator in Washington, D.C. is a recognized advocate for greater IAQ investments, including the White House's release of a national COVID-19 preparedness plan, the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, and development of ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols. Watch his remarks at the President’s Luncheon at the 2023 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Tampa, FL after being presented with the ASHRAE Presidential Certificate of Honor by 2022-23 ASHRAE President Farooq Mehboob.
Infectious Aerosol Control: Understanding Standard 241 | View details about the episode here
Standard 241 in the News:
- September 17, 2024, HPAC History, ASHRAE 241, and Engineering Education, with Bill Bahnfleth
- September 10, 2024, ASHRAE Takes the Lead In Providing Technical Resources for Controlling Infectious Aerosols
- May 2, 2024: USGBC, Webinar panelists outline newest school ventilation guidelines
- May 1, 2024, Occupational Health and Safety, Pandemic-Proofing Our Air: How Standard 241 Makes Indoor Air Safer
- March 29, 2024: QUT, Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
Since 2020, several ASHRAE members have been a part of a multidisciplinary group of approximately 40 international scientists, engineers and researchers to engage with WHO (World Health Organization) on airborne infection transmission and the need to improve indoor air quality. This group of international experts led by distinguished professor Lidia Morawska of the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, has presented a blueprint for national indoor air quality standards for public buildings in an article in the prestigious journal, Science.
William P. Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow/Presidential Member ASHRAE, joins Penn State College of Engineering to discuss ASHRAE Standard 241 and the overall importance of indoor air quality.