As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (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. “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 well-being.”
Key features of Guideline 44-2024 include:
- 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 the design phase for new buildings 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.
The guideline is available here.
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