School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 6: Equipment for Infection Control

Recommendations 1. Increasing air exchanges – Check the number of air exchanges per hour the current system is programmed for, and determine whether the air exchanges per hour can be increased when needed. 3 2. Increasing filtration levels – Identify the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of the filters, and determine the highest MERV-rated filter that the system can accommodate. The higher the MERV rating, the more it will filter the air. 3 3. Increasing system efficiency – Use the EPA’s “Tools for Schools Ventilation Checklist and Log” for overall evaluation of the school’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, available at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/kit/checklists/ventchklstbkgd.pdf. _____________________________________________________________________________ References 1. Y. Li, G.M. Leung, J.W. Tang, et al, “Role of ventilation in airborne transmission of infectious agents in the built environment — a multidisciplinary systematic review.” Indoor Air 17, no.1 (2007): 2–18. 2. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program, “Improved Academic Performance, Evidence from Scientific Literature.” Available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/student_performance/evidence.html. 3. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), “Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition): A Summary of Available Information.” Available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html.

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