Research

Isopropyl Alcohol Infiltration in Modern IVF Labs: A Review of Persistent Airborne Toxins

A peer-reviewed poster abstract presented at the ASRM Annual Scientific Congress, October 2024, examining isopropyl alcohol infiltration as a persistent airborne toxin in modern IVF laboratories. Isopropyl alcohol is widely used as a disinfectant in clinical and laboratory environments and generates airborne VOC contamination that can infiltrate IVF incubator environments and culture media. The study reviews the persistence of IPA in the IVF laboratory air environment and its potential impact on embryo culture conditions and outcomes, contributing to the growing evidence base for maintaining VOC levels well below current clinical thresholds in fertility medicine. Presented at ASRM Annual Scientific Congress, October 2024. Authors: Orsolini, M.; Schenkman, E.; Russack, J.; Huynh, H.; Schust, D.; Raburn, D.; Worrilow, K.C.; Fox, J.T.

Research

Low-Level Volatile Organic Compounds Disrupt Embryo Morphokinetics and Development in Murine Preimplantation Embryos

A peer-reviewed poster abstract published in Fertility and Sterility, October 2024, examining the impact of low-level volatile organic compounds on embryo morphokinetics and development in murine preimplantation embryos. Current IVF guidelines recommend maintaining VOC levels between 400 and 800 ppb, yet this study presents emerging evidence that VOCs below that threshold can adversely affect specific metrics of embryogenesis. Using time-lapse analysis, the study assessed the impact of low-level VOC exposure on developmental timing across multiple embryo stages. The findings strengthen the scientific rationale for maintaining VOC concentrations well below current clinical thresholds in IVF laboratory environments. Published in Fertility and Sterility, October 2024. Authors: Orsolini, M.; Schenkman, E.; Russack, J.S.; Huynh, H.T.; Schust, D.J.; Worrilow, K.C.; Fox, J.T.

Research

Mastering Clinical Embryology: Good Practice, Clinical Biology, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and Advanced Laboratory Skills

A peer-reviewed textbook chapter published in Mastering Clinical Embryology: Good Practice, Clinical Biology, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and Advanced Laboratory Skills (CRC Press, March 2024). Chapter 2, authored by Dr. Kathryn C. Worrilow and Alicia R. Urrutia of LifeAire Systems, examines the relationship between IVF cell culture environments, volatile organic compound contamination, and air quality management in assisted reproductive technology laboratories. The chapter reviews the scientific evidence for VOC impact on embryo development, the mechanisms by which airborne chemical contaminants infiltrate culture media and affect preimplantation embryos, and the clinical rationale for comprehensive air quality control as a standard of practice in modern IVF programs. Published in CRC Press, March 2024. Authors: Worrilow, K.C.; Urrutia, A.R.

advanced air purification technology clinical outcomes healthcare settings
Research

The clinical and environmental effects of an advanced air purification technology in multiple healthcare settings

A peer-reviewed study published in Science and Technology for the Built Environment examining the clinical and environmental effects of LifeAire’s advanced air purification technology across multiple healthcare settings — an acute care hospital and a long-term care facility. The study synthesizes environmental and clinical outcome data from both settings, demonstrating that LifeAire’s multi-stage system, designed to inactivate the genetic material of all airborne pathogens and remediate volatile organic compounds, produced consistent, measurable improvements across both facility types. Originally presented at the 2022 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Toronto. Published in Science and Technology for the Built Environment, Volume 29, Issue 9, October 2023. DOI: 10.1080/23744731.2023.2266349. Authors: Urrutia, A.R.; Stawicki, S.P.; Kimble, C.N.; Worrilow, K.C.

ASHRAE releases standard 241
Commercial / Hospitals and Healthcare / Long Term Care

ASHRAE Releases Standard 241 for Controlling Infectious Aerosols

This standard, “establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of disease transmission by exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations”. The key driver for the development of Standard 241 was “discussion between ASHRAE and the White House COVID-19 Response Team about the need for new and better IAQ (indoor air quality) standards. ASHRAE was encouraged to take the lead in developing a new standard for control of airborne pathogens.”

Research

Clinical and Economic Outcomes from the Installation of an Advanced Air Purification Technology in a Long Term Care Facility

A peer-reviewed short commentary published in the Journal of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine examining the clinical and economic outcomes of LifeAire’s advanced air purification technology in a long-term care facility over 15 months. The study compared LifeAire’s multi-stage system — combining VOC filtration, high-dose UV germicidal irradiation, and HEPA filtration — against standard HEPA filtration in a memory support unit. Documented outcomes included a 98.83% reduction in airborne pathogens, an 89.88% reduction in VOC levels, a 39.6% reduction in facility-acquired infections, and a 47% reduction in staff call-outs. The findings demonstrate meaningful improvements in resident wellness, safety, and facility economics. Published in Journal of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, July 2023. DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100177. Authors: Urrutia, A.R.; Eid, S.; Bock, K.A.; Worrilow, K.C.

Long Term Care

New Study Shows Air Purification Positively Impacting Senior Housing Resident Quality of Life

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment is of utmost importance in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) where vulnerable residents require constant care. These facilities have long been grappling with the challenge of reducing infectious pathogens to improve resident well-being. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to LTC residents, with many of these infections originating from airborne sources.