CDC updates recommendations on building ventilation

Washington — Occupied buildings should undergo at least five clean air changes an hour, according to updated ventilation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency says air changes can be accomplished via “any combination of central ventilation system, natural ventilation or additional devices that provide equivalent [air changes per hour] to your existing ventilation.” CDC explains on its website how to calculate air changes per hour.

Another updated recommendation: installing air filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value of 13 or higher. The revised guidance also addresses post-occupancy flushing of building air and details cost considerations for ventilation strategies. 

CDC also added to its list of answers to FAQs, as well as revamped all of the FAQs “to include a concise answer, followed by more detail.”