Richard Bruns, Senior Scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and former Senior Economist at the US FDA, discusses the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and interventions to improve it such as air filtration and germicidal UV light. They also explore the impact of particulate matter on human health, the value of statistical life, national policy changes needed for widespread adoption of IAQ interventions, and the role of FDA regulation. Additionally, they touch on rethinking cost-benefit analysis, complex systems, and cultural socialization.
Improving indoor air quality requires individual actions, such as using high-quality filters, as well as state-level policies that mandate proper monitoring and standards for buildings.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets industry standards for HVAC systems and indoor air quality, playing a significant role in protecting public health.
The cost of upgrading HVAC systems and implementing proper filtration can be a barrier to improving indoor air quality, but balancing upfront expenses with long-term health benefits is crucial.
Indoor environment engineering provides valuable opportunities for effective altruists to make a significant impact by improving indoor air quality (IAQ) through applying EA concepts and principles and leveraging their expertise.
Deep dives
Indoor air quality is a major concern for public health
Indoor air quality has a significant impact on public health. Most people spend a majority of their time indoors, and the air they breathe can be filled with pollutants and pathogens. Fine particles in untreated air have been found to cause heart attacks and strokes, while indoor air can also contain respiratory viruses and other harmful pathogens. Filtration and far UVC light are two effective methods to improve indoor air quality. Filtration involves running air through a high-quality filter, while far UVC light is used to sterilize the air. Both methods have demonstrated positive effects, and their implementation could potentially save thousands of lives. However, the use of far UVC light is still in the early stages, as more research is needed to ensure safety and reduce the generation of secondary indoor smog. Overall, improving indoor air quality requires individual actions, such as using high-quality filters, as well as state-level policies that mandate proper monitoring and standards for buildings.
The need for improved regulations and monitoring
Current regulations and building codes pertaining to indoor air quality vary greatly across states and are often inadequate. There is a lack of comprehensive laws that address the indoor air quality of all public buildings, and existing regulations primarily focus on new building construction. The model state law proposes the establishment of an advisory panel and assigns a state agency responsibility for setting standards and regulations. The law emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of pollutants and contaminants and requires the disclosure of this information to the public. In addition, it calls for the creation of a complaint process to address any concerns or issues related to air quality. While the model state law provides a framework, implementation will ultimately depend on state-level decisions and enforcement.
The role of ASHRAE and the need for industry standards
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) plays a significant role in setting industry standards for HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Their standards, such as ASHRAE 62.1, establish required airflow rates for outside air and specify minimum filtration requirements. These standards are often incorporated into state building codes for new construction. ASHRAE recently passed Standard 241, which addresses the control of infectious aerosols, responding to the administration's request. The collaboration between engineers and public health experts has led to the development of guidelines to improve indoor air quality and protect public health.
Challenges and potential solutions
Improving indoor air quality faces challenges on various fronts. The cost of upgrading HVAC systems and implementing proper filtration can be a barrier. Balancing upfront expenses with long-term health benefits is crucial. Additionally, regulations and enforcement mechanisms vary across states, making it difficult to ensure consistent standards. However, the model state law aims to address these challenges by setting guidelines and encouraging individual complaints to trigger necessary action. Ongoing research and the development of more cost-effective solutions, such as improved far UVC light technology, are also necessary. In summary, addressing indoor air quality requires a multi-pronged approach involving individual responsibility, state-level legislation, and industry standards.
Importance of Indoor Environment Engineering in EA
Indoor environment engineering is a valuable area of focus for effective altruists (EAs) looking to make a significant impact. EAs with engineering backgrounds, such as HVAC engineers, structural engineers, and architects, have low-hanging fruit opportunities to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and contribute to the field. They can leverage their existing expertise, knowledge, and networks to apply EA concepts and principles to their work. By introducing EA ideas to their field and driving improvements in IAQ, EAs in engineering roles can have a profound influence on health and well-being.
Opportunities for Research in IAQ
There are numerous research opportunities in the field of IAQ, especially for engineers and those interested in global catastrophic risk. One area worth exploring is the impact of indoor environmental chemistry and its interactions with UV light. Understanding how built environment systems affect people's health, as well as investigating technical details related to IAQ, can contribute to a better understanding of the subject and guide effective interventions. Conducting literature reviews and meta-analyses, like the work done in the blog post mentioned, can also provide valuable insights and summaries of existing evidence.
Recommended Resources on IAQ
For comprehensive information on IAQ and related topics, the blog post mentioned in the podcast "IAQ and FART UVC" by Dr. Richard Brunz, provides an excellent summary of the available evidence and research. It covers various aspects of IAQ, including the importance of engineering roles in improving IAQ, the cultural influence on innovation, and the role of the FDA in public health. Additionally, Dr. Brunz recommends exploring specific papers and reports related to IAQ, which offer valuable insights and further understanding of the field.
Dr Richard Bruns is a Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and before that was a Senior Economist at the US Food and Drug Administration (the FDA).
In this episode we talk about the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ), and how to improve it. Including:
Estimating the DALY cost of unclean indoor air from pathogens and particulate matter
How much pandemic risk could be reduced from improving IAQ?
How economists convert health losses into dollar figures — and how not to put a price on life
Key interventions to improve IAQ
Air filtration
Germicidal UV light (especially Far-UVC light)
Barriers to adoption, including UV smog and empirical studies needed most
National and state-level policy changes to get these interventions adopted widely
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