Clean Air Task Force
The WHN Indoor Air Quality Task Force supports the World Heath Network team members, partners, and others by reviewing, organizing, and preparing airborne precautions, solutions, and strategies for their homes, schools, and workplaces. Through these measures, the Task Force helps them find, identify, and implement the best risk mitigation practices (such as ventilation, HEPA filtration, and UVGI) to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
This interdisciplinary group was established in 2021 with a global outlook on the challenges and solutions to the airborne transmission of COVID-19. Initial projects included developing DIY air purifiers with an international sourcing focus, and creating guidelines such as the #SafeSchool Checklist (the third version of the checklist was released in 2021).
The outreach of the group now includes the preparation of a World Health Network Standard for “Do-It-Yourself Air Filters” for general standalone applications. Part 1 (Application, Construction, and Commissioning) is currently in progress and is expected to be submitted to the CAG for publication in 2023. As part of a larger long-term endeavor, the Task Force is also working on the preparation/review of a White Paper on Clean Air Solutions for key stakeholders and the development of a Certification Program that would benefit communities, employers, employees, service providers, and customers, particularly within the service industry. The goal of this certification is to demonstrate compliance with safety standards, which can increase customer confidence and bolster businesses.
