Page 112 - School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 6: Equipment for Infection Control
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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.
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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.