2023 Wrapped

One thing that has been constant over the last year is the worsening outdoor air pollution and overall quality of outdoor air. From the outbreak of wildfires in Canada to the Saharan dust cloud that breached the U.S., this year has really shown the world how important air purification is when it comes to removing pollutants from indoor air.

This year has also introduced many new market items such as air purifying plants as well as other forms of active air purification as they have begun to gain popularity in the air purification industry. However, the main thing that 2023 has ushered in is a demand for better air quality standards for indoor environments – especially in places that are frequently occupied (office buildings, restaurants, schools, etc.)

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2023 Predictions and Outcomes

1. PREDICTION: Outdoor Air Pollution Will Get Worse, and This Will Affect IAQ a. OUTCOME: Wildfires caused air pollution across the Northern U.S., which affected IAQ as HVAC systems drew in the polluted air. Many people were exposed to hazardous air quality levels both inside and outside. This caused a surge in demand for air purification and filtering devices such as the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes.

?2. PREDICTION: COVID-19 Isn’t Going Anywhere

a. OUTCOME: While the pandemic era of COVID-19 is “over,” the endemic era has only just begun. With vaccines and boosters, the risk of hospitalization decreases drastically; however, as new strains mutate and emerge, it can still be expected to have spikes, especially around cold and flu season.

3. PREDICTION: The Federal Government Will Establish Indoor Air Quality Standards

a. OUTCOME: 2023 saw an unprecedented change in standards regarding Indoor Air Quality. Earlier this year The White House and the EPA released their “Clean Air in Buildings” challenge, which focuses on infection prevention and improving indoor air quality. This challenge helps create an action plan for enhancing IAQ for businesses.

4. PREDICTION: The Federal Government May Continue to Fund IAQ Improvements

a.OUTCOME: Currently there are a handful of grants and funding that are managed by the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. The grant money is to be used to “advance the goal of securing clean and healthy air, and a safe climate for all.” As air pollution has increasingly been linked to physical illnesses and cognitive decline, funding and grants are expected to continue to be available.

5. PREDICTION: Organizational IAQ Policies Will Become the Norm

a. OUTCOME: The most influential moment of 2023 for the future of indoor air quality was when ASHRAE published their Standard 241, which contains suggested indoor air quality standards as well as steps to ensure businesses are prepared to handle and respond to emergency situations regarding infection transmission and poor IAQ.

6. PREDICTION: Active Air Treatment Will Become a Standard Utility

a. OUTCOME: While most of the air purification industry still relies on passive air treatment to purify their indoor air, there has been an emergence of active air purifying methods that are beginning to lead the change.

7. PREDICTION: Everyone Will Insist on Better Indoor Air

a. OUTCOME: This year alone has keyed many in on the fact that outdoor air impacts quality of indoor air. As air pollution from natural disasters to construction is being noticed by the public, there has been an increase in the demand for better air quality and air quality standards. While the reasons for demand may differ between individuals, the ultimate call for improving the quality of air around the world MUST be heard.

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As the year closes and we reflect on the trends and events that occurred, it can be a great time to assess your business’ plan to achieve quality indoor air. There are many great resources on our blog that can help establish your business as a space protected from pathogens. Be sure to stay tuned for our 2024 Predictions in the new year, which can be found on our blog.