Description

Mitigating the health impacts of extreme weather, wildfires, and other disasters leave facility managers the challenge of protecting indoor air quality (IAQ) and cleaning the facility. Both poor IAQ and dust pose a threat to human health within the built environment, especially for vulnerable populations. Wildfires in the wildland urban interface (WUI), where natural vegetation meets or intermixes with human development, bring both an immediate threat of fire and a more widespread threat to air quality. Unlike traditional wildfires, the materials burned in the WUI include synthetic materials found in our built environment, which cause emissions and residue that settles on surfaces, contaminates textiles, and re-enters the air, posing ongoing health risks. Even buildings and their surroundings not often directly impacted by wildfires can suffer symptoms due to smoke that can travels hundreds of miles. Extreme heat events also have the potential to threaten indoor environments, leading to increased emissions and prolonged exposure to pollutants for the occupants. This session will help you prioritize strategies to maintain healthy indoor air quality in your facility amid these challenges.