The Future Of Fresh Air: Navigating Post-Pandemic Changes in Indoor Air Quality

The air filtration landscape has shifted significantly since the pandemic. In this presentation, Kyle Megna of Air Things discusses the transformative impact of the pandemic on indoor air quality. He examines the latest trends in IAQ data, reviews critical legislative updates, highlights new funding avenues, and analyzes market shifts that are influencing both residential and commercial spaces.

View Kyle’s presentation here.

For detailed show notes, read below and use the timestamps to navigate the episode:

[2:01] The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the most engagement that we have seen in air quality for over fifty years. The pandemic taught us to mask, socially distance, and wash our hands; but people continued to get sick. 

[5:31] In 2021, 73% of people in the US say that their awareness of air quality has increased since the pandemic. However, only 26% of employers are making changes to their air filtration systems.

[9:10] Air quality is improving, but 36% of Americans still live in places with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

[10:53] Indoor air quality has worsened as a side effect of energy-efficient buildings. These buildings are airtight to prevent energy leakage, which also results in poor filtration. 

[13:21] Indoor C02 is getting worse in residential areas in the summer, while the curve is flatter for business spaces. 

[14:30] There is currently no legislation on indoor air quality at the federal levels, but many states are targeting air quality in schools. California’s CalSHAPE program incentivizes schools to update their HVAC systems. 

[18:00] Schools that receive the grants must monitor C02, and C02 is the only measure the state looks at. California has fallen short on outlining what happens when schools exceed the maximum C02 levels. 

[20:38] Kyle discusses the school air standards in Colorado, Maryland, and Oregon. 

[24:57] ESSER is essentially a blank check; there are few restrictions on spending ESSER funds. RENEW has more guidelines.

[27:21] LEED is the most well-known of the programs, with version five changes coming in 2025. WELL is beginning to pick up in the US, offering a more holistic approach.