Mechanically ventilated spaces reduce wildfire smoke concentration: research

Poor outdoor air conditions from wildfires, which increasingly affect the western U.S., has been found to affect children’s respiratory health, but impacts vary depending on the types of ventilation systems at schools, according to Victoria McCrary, a Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant in the Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Buildings Lab in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at the College at Oregon State University. 

[...]

These events can have significant health impacts, she said. Each 10-microgram-per-square-meter increase in micrograms of particulate matter, or PM2.5, is associated with a 16% increase in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and a 14% increase in mortality from stroke, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine . 

[...]

“We need to use buildings to help with the health and wellness of occupants when it comes to wildfires, and this is especially true when it comes to children,” said McCrary. “Children’s health is more at risk compared to adults … because their body weight to breathing ratio is so much higher than adults. They are more susceptible to particulate matter exposure, such that they experience bronchitis, heart disease and even early mortality.” 

[...]

To determine how ventilation systems impact indoor PM2.5 concentrations, McCrary conducted a field study of three classrooms from April 2023 to July 2024. One classroom had a window AC and a portable air cleaning, another had a newer mechanical ventilation system and a staff room that had a mini-split HVAC unit and portable air unit, McCrary said during the season. 

[...]