Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow presents recent learnings from operational clinical studies and advocates for more robust indoor air quality standards to be maintained to protect those in acute care settings in hospitals, senior living, critical areas of transportation and commercial settings - all towards improved biosecurity for all in our country.
Pictured (L-to-R): Melissa Baker - Senior Vice President, Technical Development, US Green Building Council; Kathryn C. Worrilow, PhD - Founder and CEO, LifeAire Systems; Alice Yates - Director, Government Affairs, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
LifeAire Systems Joins Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense
It was an honor for our team to participate in the recent “Masters of the Air: Infectious Airborne Pathogen Control” event with the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense on July 25. This event provided a unique opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and discuss the pressing issue of indoor air quality, a topic that has never been more relevant.
The dialogue at this event spotlighted the crucial need for advancements in air purification technology and the establishment of stricter air quality standards. We were inspired by the collective commitment to improving public health through enhanced air quality control. Being part of this conversation was an invaluable experience for LifeAire, allowing us to share our insights and learn from other experts in the field.
Bipartisan Commission (L-to-R): Congressman Fred Upton - Commissioner, Secretary Donna Shalala - Co-Chair, Congressman Jim Greenwood - Commissioner, The Honorable Peggy Hamburg - Commissioner
Several key takeaways emerged from the discussion that reinforced the importance of our work:
- The Need for Better Indoor Air Quality Standards: It became clear that while water quality has received significant attention, air quality standards are lagging behind. The disparity between outdoor and indoor air regulations is notable, with current indoor standards allowing much higher levels of contaminants. This discussion emphasized the urgency of implementing stricter indoor air quality regulations to protect public health.
- The Role of Advanced Technology in Pathogen Control: The event highlighted the availability of existing technologies, like LifeAire’s, that can effectively monitor and remediate indoor air quality. However, scalability remains a challenge. We learned that with the right support and adoption at a larger scale, these technologies can play a pivotal role in preventing the spread of airborne diseases.
- The Importance of Compliance and Enforcement: A key point of the discussion was the need to turn voluntary standards into enforceable codes, much like the ADA, to ensure compliance and drive progress. This approach could be instrumental in accelerating the adoption of air quality standards that protect everyone.
- Learning from Each Other: The Commission provided a platform for LifeAire to share our extensive experience in air purification while also learning from the insights of others. We were proud to demonstrate how our technology meets and exceeds existing standards, offering a model for future air quality initiatives.
As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in air purification, we remain committed to contributing to these important discussions. It is through collaboration and shared knowledge that we can achieve a healthier, safer environment for all. We look forward to continuing our partnership with leaders in the field and advancing the conversation on indoor air quality.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful event and are excited about the potential impact of our technology on the future of public health. Together, we can create a world where clean air is the standard, not the exception.
