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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• Historical documents of scientific work are increasingly vulnerable as government webpages disappear or change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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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

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The revolutionary "clean air as a service" business model is transforming how we approach indoor air quality in challenging environments.

Rather than simply selling filtration equipment with uncertain outcomes, companies like Clairco are guaranteeing results through a comprehensive system of monitoring, analytics, and accountability.

Aayush Jha, Clairco's co-founder and CEO, reveals the fascinating inner workings of this approach that promises clients indoor air quality that's 90% better than outdoor conditions. The conversation explores how buildings typically deteriorate from their designed performance after 5-7 years, creating gaps that standard equipment sales cannot address. By taking full accountability for outcomes, air quality service providers develop solutions tailored to each building's unique challenges.

The model depends on sophisticated IoT monitoring networks measuring everything from particulate matter to pressure differentials, coupled with AI-driven analytics that optimise system performance. What makes this approach particularly compelling is the deep relationship it fosters between service providers and clients - both parties must uphold their end of the agreement for success. Clients follow operational guidelines while providers maintain all equipment and continuously verify performance.

While currently most viable for larger commercial buildings (100,000+ square feet), this accountability-focused model offers valuable lessons for improving air quality in any space. The three fundamental principles he identifies - comprehensive data collection, appropriate filtration selection, and proper fresh air management - form the foundation of effective air quality management regardless of scale.

This episode pulls back the curtain on an innovative business approach that aligns incentives around actual health outcomes rather than equipment specifications. For facility managers, building owners, or anyone concerned with indoor environments, it demonstrates how the future of air quality management lies in guaranteeing results, not just selling hardware.

Aayush Jha - Linkedin

Clairco

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What happens when those who run toward danger face an invisible, deadly threat long after the flames are extinguished? This compelling episode pulls back the curtain on the shocking occupational health crisis affecting firefighters worldwide.

Stephen "Robbie" Burns and Ian Ray bring decades of fire service experience to share the devastating reality of toxic exposure in firefighting. Having been classified as Class 1 carcinogenic by the World Health Organization, firefighting carries extreme health risks that extend far beyond emergency incidents. The conversation reveals how contamination follows firefighters back to stations, into vehicles, and even home to their families.

Robbie's personal battle with aggressive cancer diagnosed at just 40 years old underscores the human cost of inadequate protection. The pair explain how modern fires burn hotter and more toxic than ever before, while budget constraints prevent many services from implementing known safety measures. Their firsthand accounts paint a picture of how cultural barriers, institutional inertia, and funding disparities create dangerous disparities in protection.

The episode provides eye-opening comparisons to countries like Sweden, where comprehensive prevention measures have dramatically reduced illness rates. Most disturbingly, we learn how firefighters in some regions are now advised to bank sperm at career start due to DNA-altering effects of chronic exposure.

This isn't just about firefighter health—it's about fundamental fairness for those who risk everything to protect us. Whether you work in occupational health, emergency services, or simply care about public safety, this conversation will transform how you think about the true cost of emergency response and the urgent need for systemic change.

Surry Fire & Rescue LinkedIn

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We explore the art of communicating technical subjects effectively with PR expert Liz Male MBE, focusing on how consistency in messaging builds trust and the power of storytelling to convey complex information.

• Communications in the built environment have improved but remain inconsistent across the industry
• Consistency in messaging is essential for building trust with your audience
• Effective communication starts with clear business objectives beyond just selling products
• Laser-focus on specific audience personas rather than trying to reach everyone
• Understand your audience's challenges, information sources, and influences deeply
• We are hardwired as humans to communicate and remember through stories
• Position your client as the hero of the story rather than your organisation
• Measure communications success through the four R's: Reach, Reaction, Resonance, and Results
• When communicating risk, focus on rewards and opportunities rather than just fear
• Purpose-driven organisations achieve the most effective communication outcomes
• Show your workings and be transparent about challenges to build credibility
• Open, honest communication during crises builds greater trust than deflecting responsibility

Visit airqualitymatters.net to connect with our sponsors and learn more about creating healthier built environments.

Liz Male LinkedIn

Liz Male Consulting

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David Pierpoint discusses how skills and training are key to improving quality in our built environment, drawing from his 15 years of experience developing the retrofit sector through The Retrofit Academy.

• Industry struggles with consistent quality in both retrofit and ventilation sectors
• Government funding often focuses on single measures rather than holistic retrofit
• Ventilation frequently missing from retrofit measures lists despite being essential
• Professional accountability distinguishes quality outcomes from poor practice
• Retrofit coordinators serve a critical role as advocates for homeowners and landlords
• Building inspection rates of only 2% are insufficient to ensure quality outcomes
• Training must evolve beyond certification to lifelong learning and ongoing support
• Technical knowledge needs to be accessible through technology and community platforms
• Diversity in the sector remains a challenge despite women excelling in key roles
• Future of training involves blending online learning with practical experience

The Retrofit Academy trains retrofitters to the highest standard possible and then provides them with a lifelong learning journey through community support, resources, and continuous development.

David Pierpoint - Linkedin

Retrofit Academy

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Solo episode this week as we catch up on the ISIAQ Healthy Buildings Conference in Hyderabad in India, a new venture for Air Quality Matters and an exploration of indoor air quality intersects with the urgent issues of damp and mould affecting housing today. The importance of recent legislation and proactive measures for healthy living environments takes centre stage.

This week we discuss Healthy Buildings in India and what the podcast is going to be doing from the event.

I discuss the missed opportunity of conferences to drive conversation more Bradley and what Air Quality Matters is doing about it.

And the recent Panorama documentary on mouldy homes, Awabs Law and some great commentary on the hole subject from Rosie Wills of mid Devon Housing

Healthy Building India

On Air

Rosie Wills - Blog

Rosie Wills - Linkedin

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This Podcast is brought to you in partnership with.
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All great companies that share the podcast's passion for better air quality in the built environment. Supporting them helps support the show.