Chemical Insights Publishes Educational Guide on Managing Indoor Air Quality During the COVID‑19 Pandemic and Beyond

Free online resource provides best practices businesses and schools can implement to improve indoor air quality

Chemical Insights, a research institute of Underwriters Laboratories, published an interactive, educational guide on understanding the potential impact of hazardous airborne particles, such as respiratory viruses, and disinfectant chemicals on indoor air quality (IAQ) and human health. The four-part resource, “Clearing the Air on COVID-19,” highlights how aerosols – tiny airborne particles or droplets – are produced and provides guidance to business and schools for mitigating spread and improving IAQ.

“The science community believes that respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, may spread when an infected person speaks, coughs, sneezes or simply breathes,” said Dr. Marilyn Black, vice president and senior technical advisor for Chemical Insights. “With about 40,000 aerosol particles released by single sneeze, good IAQ practices are essential in businesses and schools both during and after the current pandemic. We developed this interactive guide in the hopes that it will help facilities understand how they can improve IAQ.”

Chemical Insights is a nonprofit research organization committed to delivering the scientific insight policymakers, healthcare providers, business leaders, educators and consumers depend on to make informed environmental health decisions. The organization’s new guide is a culmination of Chemical Insights’ own research as well as best practices on IAQ improvement and the prevention of viral transmission.

The four parts of the guide are:

1. Spreading the Facts: Education on how aerosols spread and advice for protecting against the potential transmission of infectious airborne particles;
2. The Details on Disinfectants: Information on both the benefits and potential hazards of common cleaning solutions;
3. Ventilation Matters: Steps to implement effective ventilation and air purification tactics; and
4. Thinking Beyond COVID-19: Importance of good IAQ and reducing indoor air pollution long-term, particularly to help those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular-related health problems.

To view the interactive guide, visit https://chemicalinsights.org/covid-19/.

About Chemical Insights

As an Institute of Underwriters Laboratories, we deliver the scientific insight policymakers, healthcare providers, business leaders and consumers depend on to make informed environmental health decisions. Combining the best minds, rigorous scientific research and a commitment for thorough and accurate results, Chemical Insights is improving the health of people and the planet.

Our work lets people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we interact with every day. Our research and initiatives give them the knowledge of exactly what those chemicals are, how they may affect human health, and how to manage their impact. Our leadership role is to provide science or knowledge to implement improved practices, alternative product design, and changes that enable safer products and healthier environments.

To learn more, please visit chemicalinsights.org/.

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About Underwriters Laboratories

Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being. To learn more, visit UL.org.

Contacts

Catherine Mootz
Arketi Group for Chemical Insights
M: 702.622.2385
cmootz@arketi.com