ASHRAE Releases New Guidance to Mitigate the Impact of Smoke on Indoor Air Quality

• 12 Dec 2024
• Guideline
• Atlanta

ASHRAE Releases New Guidance to Mitigate the Impact of Smoke on Indoor Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Buckley Washington
Senior Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]

ASHRAE Releases New Guidance to Mitigate the Impact of Smoke on Indoor Air Quality
Guideline 44-2024 offers strategies for maintaining healthier indoor environments during wildfires and prescribed burns

ATLANTA (December 12, 2024) - As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, ASHRAE has published a new resource aimed at safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events.

ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed burn smoke.

"The frequency, intensity and duration of wildland fire events have grown significantly in recent years, threatening air quality and public health," said 2024-25 ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member. "This guideline equips building professionals with comprehensive recommendations to mitigate smoke intrusion and maintain healthier indoor environments. Protecting building occupants from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is critical to preserving their health and overall wellbeing."

Key features of Guideline 44-2024:

• Applicability: Designed for commercial buildings, institutional facilities (including healthcare), multiunit residential buildings, and designated safe spaces for temporary occupancy during smoke events.
• Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Includes tailored recommendations for spaces occupied by at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.
• Comprehensive Guidance on Best Practices: Considerations during design phase for new and retrofits, as well as the installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building envelopes, ventilation systems and air-cleaning technologies to mitigate smoke infiltration and improve IAQ.

To purchase Guideline 44-2024 visit ashrae.org/bookstore or contact ASHRAE Customer Contact Center at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada), 404-636-8400 (worldwide) or fax 678-539-2129.

About ASHRAE

ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from over 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world.

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education. ASHRAE and its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.

The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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