Breathe Easy This Halloween: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality with Air Cleaners and Ventilation

Abstaining from social gatherings is the safest way to protect yourself from airborne diseases like COVID-19, but If you plan to host or attend a gathering regardless, here are some tips to mitigate risk and maintain a clean indoor air environment:

• Communicate your expectations regarding mask-wearing and hygiene practices in your invitations: Proactively inform your guests about the health and safety measures you will have in place by clearly communicating your expectations in your event invitations. Detail any requirements or recommendations regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, and hygiene practices so guests know what to anticipate and can prepare accordingly. For example, mention that masks will be a mandatory part of costuming, and that hand sanitizing stations and air filtration will be provided throughout the venue. Explain how these precautions are intended to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during the gathering.
  
  Use positive and inclusive language to normalize these measures, emphasizing that they are in place to create a comfortable environment for all attendees. You might say something like, “We’re excited to celebrate together and have planned some creative ways to keep everyone safe, including incorporating masks into our costumes and spacing out seating areas.” By setting clear expectations upfront, you help guests feel at ease and foster a shared sense of responsibility. This transparency not only enhances comfort but also contributes to an atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration together with peace of mind.

• Utilize MERV 13 Air Cleaners: Place air cleaners in common areas to continuously filter the air. If you have one air cleaner, place it in the center of the room; if you have two, place them on opposite ends of the room, about a foot away from the wall. And be sure to upgrade your furnace filters to the MERV 13 standard, or the highest grade of filter your system can accept, if you haven’t already.
• Monitor C02 Levels: Use a portable CO2 monitor to measure the carbon dioxide levels in your indoor space during gatherings. Elevated CO2 levels can indicate poor ventilation, which may increase the risk of airborne transmission of illnesses. Aim to keep CO2 levels below 800 parts per million (ppm). If the levels rise above this threshold, consider opening more windows or doors, or reducing the number of people in the room to improve air quality.

• Enhance Ventilation: Improve indoor air quality by maximizing ventilation throughout your space. Open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze that promotes continuous air exchange, even if the weather is cooler. If the temperature is a concern, open windows slightly or intermittently to allow fresh air in without significantly impacting indoor comfort. Utilize fans to aid in circulating air—placing a fan near a window can help pull in fresh air or push out stale air. Good ventilation dilutes airborne contaminants, reducing the risk of spreading illnesses. If possible, consider using air exchange systems or consult with an HVAC professional to optimize your indoor airflow. Remember, even small improvements in ventilation can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthier environment during gatherings and preventing airborne transmission of pathogens.
• Require Masking: Make health and safety a seamless part of the fun by integrating protective measures into your event theme. Provide masks that match the party’s aesthetic or require guests to incorporate their own into their costumes—think ninjas, surgeons, superheroes, or other characters that naturally include face coverings. The best masks for respiratory protection include N-95s or elastomeric respirators. Fit tested masks work the best. 
• Setup Hand Sanitizing Stations: While they won’t protect guests from airborne transmission of pathogens, setting up hand sanitizing stations at entry points, food areas, and on other high-touch surfaces can prevent the transmission of pathogens spread through contaminated surfaces.
• Space Out Seating: Arrange your furniture strategically to promote physical distancing among guests. Position chairs and tables so that seating areas are at least six feet apart, if space allows. Instead of one large seating area, create multiple smaller ones to prevent crowding. Use floor markers or decorative elements like rugs to define individual spaces. Encourage guests to use all available areas by setting up snack stations or entertainment spots in different parts of the venue. If hosting outdoors is an option, take advantage of the open space to spread out even more. Clear signage or gentle reminders can help guests be mindful of maintaining personal space, contributing to a more comfortable and safer atmosphere for everyone.
• Some Appliances can CO₂ Levels: Candles, fireplaces, gas stoves and other common household appliances can all increase C02 levels. Be mindful of using combustion-based appliances during your gathering, as they can significantly elevate indoor CO₂ levels and compromise air quality. Try to minimize the use of gas ovens and stoves; opt for electric cooking methods when possible. Avoid burning candles or using fireplaces to reduce additional CO₂ and potential pollutants. If you desire ambient lighting, consider using LED candles or other electric alternatives. If you must use these appliances, ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows or using exhaust fans to disperse the gasses and maintain a healthier environment.