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Carl Zimmer, columnist for the New York Times and acclaimed science writer, discusses his new book "Airborne" which explores the fascinating yet troubling history of how we understand disease transmission through air.

• Pandemic debates about COVID transmission revealed historical patterns of resistance to airborne disease theories
• William and Mildred Wells discovered in the 1930s-40s that diseases float in air droplets for hours but were largely forgotten by history
• The Wellses demonstrated UV light could effectively disinfect air and prevent disease transmission in classrooms
• Fred Meyer, who coined "aerobiology," pioneered research collecting microbes from airplanes and stratospheric balloons in the 1930s
• After WWII, much aerobiology research was classified and redirected into biological weapons programs
• Despite COVID raising awareness, momentum for improving indoor air quality standards is already fading
• Historical documents of scientific work are increasingly vulnerable as government webpages disappear or change
• Psychological barriers may explain our reluctance to accept that air can transmit disease

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Carl Zimmer

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What happens when 46 research institutes from 21 countries join forces to tackle one of our most pressing indoor environmental challenges? A groundbreaking framework that's already changing how we approach air quality in our homes.

The Annex 86 project represents a fascinating convergence of engineering, chemistry, and public health expertise focused on creating energy-efficient indoor air quality management strategies for residential buildings. Over five years, this international team has developed innovative approaches to understanding, measuring, and improving the air we breathe at home without compromising energy efficiency.

During our conversation with project leader Jelle Laverge and task leaders Gaëlle Guyot and Marc Abadie, we explore how this collaborative effort has evolved from theoretical research into practical applications. The team shares insights on their development of comprehensive air quality metrics that are already being adopted by ASHRAE standards, the creation of the Pandora database cataloging thousands of indoor pollution sources, and the promising frontier of smart materials like Metal Organic Frameworks that can selectively absorb harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde.

Perhaps most intriguing is their concept of a "rating ecology" rather than just a rating system – acknowledging that effective indoor air quality management requires a complex, interconnected framework of tools and approaches. This ecological perspective allows for meaningful comparison between different technologies and strategies, from smart ventilation systems to advanced materials, helping designers and policymakers make informed decisions about improving our indoor environments.

Whether you're a building professional, policy maker, or simply someone concerned about the quality of air in your home, this episode offers valuable insights into how international collaboration is driving innovation at the intersection of health, comfort, and sustainability. Check out our sponsors in the show notes and join us in exploring how we can create healthier indoor environments for everyone.

Annex 86

Jelle Laverge

Gaelle Guyote

Marc Abadie

IEA EBC

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Check out the Air Quality Matters website for more information, updates and more. And the YouTube Channel

This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with.
21 Degrees
Aereco
Aico
Ultra Protect
InBiot

All great companies that share the podcast's passion for better air quality in the built environment. Supporting them helps support the show.

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The quality of air we breathe in our homes directly impacts our health, yet the ventilation systems responsible for delivering that air are failing at alarming rates. In this eye-opening conversation with Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of ATMA and SITMA, we delve into the troubling disconnect between air tightness testing (which has improved dramatically) and ventilation commissioning (which remains woefully inadequate).

Barry reveals the shocking truth that ventilation systems fail to meet even minimum performance standards, creating serious health risks for occupants. We explore the technical differences between testing methodologies and why accurate measurement matters—you wouldn't guess at electrical amperage or concrete composition, so why accept guesswork with something as vital as ventilation?

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Barry's data-driven perspective. His organisation has collected over a billion data points on building performance, creating unprecedented insights into real-world system operation. This data revolution mirrors what's happening with environmental sensors being deployed in homes, leading us toward a future where ventilation systems automatically adjust based on air quality measurements rather than arbitrary timers.

The parallels to automotive safety standards are striking—just as we wouldn't accept cars with failing brakes, we shouldn't tolerate ventilation systems that don't deliver clean air. This isn't just about comfort; it's about preventing serious health conditions, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, and even cognitive decline.

If you're building, renovating, or simply concerned about the air you breathe, this episode offers crucial knowledge about what's going wrong and how we can fix it. Listen now to understand why proper ventilation testing could literally save lives, and what changes are needed in regulations and industry practices to protect our health.

Barry Cope - LinkedIn

BCTA

ATTMA

The Building Performance Hub

Support the show

Check out the Air Quality Matters website for more information, updates and more. And the YouTube Channel

This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with.
21 Degrees
Aereco
Aico
Ultra Protect
InBiot

All great companies that share the podcast's passion for better air quality in the built environment. Supporting them helps support the show.