The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the role of indoor environmental controls in infectious disease transmission the airborne/aerosol route. This presentation will consider how well existing building systems protect occupants from airborne infectious diseases, how enhanced controls can reduce risk of transmission, and how building design and operation need to change in the future to reduce the impact of future pandemics. Knowledge gaps and research priorities will be discussed as well as the importance of connecting infection risk mitigation with higher goals for indoor air quality generally to promote health and productivity sustainably. Barriers to change will also be noted and discussed.

Biography:

William P. Bahnfleth is a professor of Architectural Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. He is a Fellow of ASHRAE, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the International Society for Indoor Air Quality and Climate. Dr. Bahnfleth holds a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and is a registered professional engineer. His primary research interest is energy efficient control of indoor air quality with a focus on control of bioaerosols with germicidal ultraviolet light. Dr. Bahnfleth is the author or co-author of more than 180 journal articles and 15 books and book chapters. He has served ASHRAE in many capacities, including 2013-14 Society President and chair of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force. His ASHRAE awards include the Exceptional Service Award, the Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, the E.K. Campbell Award of Merit for teaching, and the F. Paul Anderson Award, ASHRAE’s highest individual honor. His work as chair of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has been recognized with a letter of appreciation from the US EPA and the ASHRAE Presidential Certificate of Honor.