While COVID-19 has brought indoor air quality (IAQ) to the forefront, the topic should remain top of mind going forward. “Improved IAQ will continue to benefit seniors long after the pandemic has passed,” said Jay Weingarten, architect at RDG Planning and Design, at the 2021 EFA Expo, Aug. 29-31 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Weingarten was joined on stage with Christopher Reed, mechanical engineer at Morrissey Engineering, and Lara Slavkin, partner at RDG Planning and Design during the EFA Expo session, “Indoor Air Quality in the Age of COVID-19.” The speakers recognized that indoor air quality isn’t always top of mind during the design and construction process. However in the past year, Weingarten said it’s likely that many more senior living communities thought about how to improve IAQ, although many were unsure of the best ways to do it.
And while there are some building standards, such as the WELL Building Standard, which provide guidelines on how to address indoor air quality, such as increasing ventilation, improving filtration, and adding UV lights, he anticipates more research and innovation in this area in coming years. “The big change here is that people are talking about IAQ and looking for ways to improve it,” he said.
According to the speakers, among the best mechanical methods to improve air quality are better filters (“Higher-efficiency MERV 13 filters are recommended and are worth the money spent,” Reed said.), increased ventilation, more air changes, and UV lights. “Designing buildings with good ventilation/outside air and good air changes in the occupied space is a great way to decrease spread of disease, improve health, and improve odor control in communities,” Reed said. “In existing communities, these same systems are often underperforming. Simple adjustments such as increased ventilation and increased room air changes can really improve the IAQ.”
Looking ahead, Reed also noted the importance of senior living communities to not neglect outside air quality. “Periodically check to make sure exhaust fans are operating and outside air dampers are open and providing outside air to the building,” Reed said.
From an interior designer perspective, Slavkin says using certain finishes and materials such as walk-off carpet—a carpet tile that is made specifically for entry vestibules—that minimizes dirt and moisture and paint with low or no volatile organic compounds. “These are small considerations that can continue to improve the indoor air quality for seniors,” she said.
