IAQ for Commercial and Industrial Facilities During Wildfire Season

The Hidden Impact of Wildfires on Your Business

In recent months wildfires in California and the Carolinas have exacted a significant toll on residents, local business owners, and first responders. They have also brought to light very challenging issues around the impact of smoke and particulate matter.

As a business owner, you have dual responsibilities. You must consider the personal impact on your employees who are dealing with evacuations, property loss, and potential health issues. Secondly, there’s your business and the affect on the physical property.  Aside from the potential of physical damage from fire, there is a hidden danger that is equally as critical:  the indoor air your employees breathe.

During a wildfire, particulate matter can spread widely through air currents, for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these particles as hazardous, with PM2.5 particulates small enough to bypass standard commercial filtration systems, damage sensitive equipment, and ultimately affect business productivity and profitability. This can add up to $15-$20 billion in lost productivity and health-related expenses, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

In fact, during wildfire events, indoor air quality in commercial spaces often measures worse than outdoor air without proper filtration due to limited air exchange and particle accumulation. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wildfire smoke exposure increases the risk of respiratory symptoms by 40%-60% in workplace populations.

What the Air Quality Index Means for Health and Well-Being.

The EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) provides critical decision-making information:

• 0-50: Satisfactory air quality; air pollution poses little to no risk.
• 51-100: Acceptable air quality; moderate health concern for few people unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• 101-150: Sensitive groups experience some adverse health effects; general public likely unaffected.
• 151-200: General public likely to be affected; sensitive groups experience serious health effects.
• 201-300: Health alert: everyone may experience serious health effects
• 300-500: Health warnings of emergency conditions: everyone likely to be affected.

The Technical Reality of Particulate Capture

PM2.5 particles are 30 times smaller than a human hair and can remain suspended indefinitely. For commercial operations, this creates specific challenges and requires upgraded air filtration solutions.

A MERV 13 air filtration system provides:

• 85% capture of medium-sized particles.
• 50% capture of ultrafine particles.
• 75-80% overall PM2.5 reduction.
  

Standard MERV 8 filters deliver significantly less protection, resulting in:

• Increased equipment contamination
• Higher maintenance costs
• Potential regulatory non-compliance
• Employee productivity losses

The proof is in the numbers.  Facilities with advanced air filtration systems report a 40-50% reduction in wildfire-related productivity losses and a 15-20% decrease in healthcare-related employee absenteeism (Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Workplace Health Report, 2023)

Commercial Building Defense Strategy: Effective Filtration

For Facilities Near Active Fires:

• Install activated carbon prefilters throughout commercial HVAC systems.
• Accelerate maintenance schedules - inspect and replace filters more frequently.
• Adjust outdoor air intake rates to balance fresh air requirements with filtration capacity.

For Facilities in Wildfire-Prone Regions:

• Upgrade to MERV 13 filters across all air handling units.
• Address facility-specific needs:
  • Large commercial buildings: Modify systems to handle increased pressure differentials.
  • Manufacturing facilities: Evaluate filtration based on process sensitivity.
  • Multi-tenant buildings: Implement zone-specific strategies with focus on common areas.
  • Data centers: Deploy specialized filtration to prevent equipment damage.

When Standard Solutions Aren't Enough

During severe wildfire events with PM2.5 concentrations of 300-500 μg/m³, even 80% filtration efficiency may leave indoor levels above regulatory thresholds. Consider these approaches:

1. Higher-efficiency filtration systems (where system capacity allows).

2. Standalone purification units in critical areas.

3. Modified outdoor air intake strategies.

4. Departmental rotation schedules.

5. Remote work options where feasible.

6. Real-time air quality monitoring systems.

The Business Case for Air Quality Investment

The financial implications of poor indoor air quality extend beyond immediate health concerns:

• Productivity Impact: Poor air quality during wildfire events can reduce worker productivity by 6-9%, translating to significant economic losses (Source: American Lung Association Workplace Air Quality Report, 2022).
• Absenteeism Costs: Air quality-related absences can cost $2,500-$3,500 per employee annually.
• Equipment Maintenance: Commercial HVAC systems experience up to 35% increased maintenance costs during wildfire seasons (Source: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Facility Management Survey, 2023)
• Insurance Considerations: Some carriers now offer premium reductions for enhanced air quality measures.
• Liability Protection: Documented air quality management serves as evidence of reasonable care.

Bottom Line for Decision-Makers

Facilities need comprehensive air quality management at all times, especially during wildfire season. While external conditions can’t be controlled, human and capital assets can be protected through strategic air filtration solutions.

Start with MERV 13 filtration, implement monitoring with resources like airnow.gov, and deploy supplemental purification for critical areas. These investments protect productivity, equipment, and compliance while demonstrating your commitment to occupant health and safety.

As a global leader in air filtration solutions, American Air Filter has the expertise and products to help protect your facility during wildfire events. Contact an AAF representative to discuss the best filtration strategy for your facility needs.