Medical Air Solutions, LLC

Pennsylvania State University is one of the few colleges whose Architectural Engineering department has a section specifically devoted to biological entities as it applies to the HVAC in buildings and  facilities.  They describe this sections as:

"Aerobiological Engineering is the art and science of designing buildings and systems for the control of airborne pathogens and reduction of respiratory infections in indoor environments, including commercial buildings, hospitals, and residences. Aerobiology is the study of microorganisms in the air which may be detrimental to human health. Included among these organisms are viruses, bacteria and fungi."

W. J. Kowalski is the author and co-author or many articles and papers concerning biological pathogens in building environments.  His latest book Immune Building Systems Technology is a best seller and can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking HERE.  Here is a synopsis of the book from the author:

"Immune Building Systems Technology is a comprehensive guide to the design of building systems for protection against bioterrorism and chemical weapons. It provides a detailed database of chemical and biological weapons and presents the most detailed history of their use yet published.

The modeling of buildings and ventilation systems is treated in detail and simulated biological attacks on many types of buildings are summarized. The predicted effectiveness of air cleaning technologies is demonstrated by comparison of estimated casualties under various attack scenarios. Various technologies are covered including filtration, UVGI, ozone, pulsed light, and other subjects include mail disinfection systems, decontamination and remediation of buildings, control systems, risk estimation, epidemiology, and the economics of air cleaning. Building vulnerabilities are discussed and Security and Emergency procedures are addressed, as well as guidelines for sizing building protection systems.

This book is designed to serve both as a textbook and a reference for critical information. It should serve equally well in the hands of engineers, building managers, security personnel, health care workers, military personnel, and anyone with an interest in enhancing the protection of their homes or offices against bioterrorism."

W.J. Kowalski
 

Below are a selection of documents that are not only informative, but are quite interesting to read.

UVGI Design Basics

The first step in the design of an airstream or surface disinfection system is to characterize the application. This includes describing the air stream, identifying the specific surface, and, sometimes, targeting specific microbes, such as TB.

The Spread of Respiratory Disease in Office Buildings

The vast majority of airborne pathogens are uniquely adapted for spreading in indoor environments.  This is a study of the potential for pathogen exposure.

Immune Building Technology

The principle behind immune building technology is to integrate the ventilation system, the building envelope, detection and control systems, zone isolation systems, and air treatment systems so as to provide maximum protection to building occupants.  This document will give you an idea about how to this.

Control of Microbes

Airborne transmission of respiratory diseases in indoor environments remains a problem of indoor air quality (IAQ).  This document was prepared by engineers for engineers.  It will give you insight on what to look for to keep the building healthy.

UVGI Primer

The use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) for the sterilization of microorganisms has been studied since the 1930s. Microbes are are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of light at wavelengths at or near 2537 Angstroms (253.7 nanometers).

HVAC System Protection

No respiratory pathogens can exist outdoors -- viruses and bacteria are carried and transmitted indoors by human or animal hosts, with anthrax being one of the exceptions.

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