Presented by Koch Filter
Our friends at Koch Filter have compiled a list of practical guidance and recommendations that can help mitigate the spread of airborne pathogens. Koch Filter’s industry experts have more than 55 years of knowledge and experience in delivering clean air for healthy people and places.
Let’s explore 5 ways you can help mitigate the spread of harmful pathogens, such as COVID-19, with Koch Filter’s filtration solutions.
1. Clean Air Matters
According to ASHRAE and the CDC, infectious diseases like COVID-19 can be transmitted through airborne aerosols. By providing increased amounts of clean outdoor air, highly filtered air, and disinfected re-circulated air into spaces like classrooms and offices, HVAC systems can dilute and kill pathogens in the air stream and mitigate disease spread.
2. Six Air Changes Per Hour Greatly Reduces Airborne Infection Probability Rates
Critical environments like operating rooms have high air change rates to help prevent airborne-transmitted infections. Applying the same technique to any space can produce a similar effect throughout your facility or business.
The graph illustrates how the probability of airborne infection declines for rhinovirus, tuberculosis (TB), influenza (common flu), SARS (SARS-CoV), and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) as the clean air change rates per hour increase.
5. Portable HEPA Air Cleaners
Portable air cleaners such as the IsoClean can be used to reduce airborne contaminants including viruses by filtering the air and creating a high number of room air changes per hour. The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on several factors including the efficiency of its filter, the airflow rate through its filter, its location in a room, and its operating hours. HEPA filters provide the highest single-pass airborne particle removal efficiency and UV-C lighting adds another level of disinfection. This is ideal for systems that cannot handle MERV 13 filters.
4. Increase MERV Ratings
Virus particles can attach to larger particulates such as dust, dander, or droplets. ASHRAE currently recommends a MERV 13 rating or higher to reduce airborne pathogen transmission. If your current system can’t accommodate a MERV 13 filter, use the highest rating possible and add portable HEPA air cleaners.
The main benefit of a MERV 13 filter is the mitigation of COVID-19. When a MERV 13 filter is used, virus particles and virus carriers (again, viruses can attach themselves to larger particles) are captured by the filter. That is why there has been such an increase in demand for MERV 13 filters: they are one of the best mitigation tactics a facility can use to help protect its employees and visitors from the coronavirus and other harmful pathogens.
5. PPE for Filter Replacement
Safety first! When removing old air filters, be sure to protect yourself. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a mask. Place used filters into bags to prevent particles from dislodging. Incinerate filters when possible.
Conclusion
As your business moves forward during the coronavirus pandemic, it's crucial to stay on top of the latest air filtration guidelines to help keep your employees and customers healthy and safe.
Make sure to download Koch Filter’s product recommendation guide to find the best air filtration solutions for your environment. Check back anytime you need a refresher with our key takeaways below.
Key takeaways:
- Filtration is crucial for virus mitigation, everyday air pollution, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although there is no silver bullet, taking the proper steps to mitigate airborne pathogen spread is crucial for any facility moving forward.
- Increase the number of room air changes per hour to a minimum of 6.
- Increase the MERV rating of your air filters to the highest level your system will allow.
- Add portable HEPA air cleaners to promote a high number of air changes, HEPA filtration, and UV-C disinfection.
- Use personal protection equipment when removing old filters.
Shop for all of your air treatment and air filter needs at Zoro, including products from the Koch Filter brand.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.