An Air Purifier for Construction Dust: Say Goodbye to Dust and Debris

Construction projects and renovations can be exciting! They promise that necessary changes are right around the corner. However, the excitement does not always overshadow the unwanted side effects. Dust and debris abound in a construction zone and can harm your health. No matter how hard you try, keeping dust contained in one area can seem to be impossible in construction. Once airborne, it can travel throughout your facility and may be breathed in by those in the building. As a facility manager, you know this is an unwanted result of construction. However, we have a few solutions to help you minimize the risk of dust contamination. 

Don't Let Dust Affect Your Facility

During a construction project, dust can result from multiple actions. Dust can be made of plaster, sawdust, fiberglass, or mold spores. When a material needs to be cut, demolished, or altered, it can produce any of these tiny particles. On top of that, after all the initial mess, final touches can still send harmful particles into the air. Paints, solvents, glues, and cleaning products can release toxic, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These harmful particles can cause serious health concerns and may even stay in the air without proper filtration. 

Preventing dust from negatively affecting your facility is essential during a construction project. Simple steps like opening windows for ventilation and establishing a thorough cleaning routine are great places to start, but implementing other methods will be needed to ensure all the tiny dust particles are eliminated. Utilizing an air purifier for dust is one of the most surefire ways you will promote clean air in your facility. A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter traps most airborne particles, including dust and debris. Its efficiency rate is 99.97% of all particles at .03 microns or smaller, making it an excellent option for facilities of any kind. 

The Dangers of Construction Dust

Construction dust has a myriad of dangers, particularly in exacerbating lung disease. Inhalation of indoor air pollutants released during renovation activities can directly trigger inflammatory responses, exacerbating serious health conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with these chronic lung diseases are especially vulnerable, as even small concentrations of dust can lead to severe health complications. 

Moreover, hospitals face significant liability risks concerning hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), especially when the source is ambiguous, complicating legal attributions. Lawsuits often target hospitals, holding them responsible for these infections. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, lung disease, COPD, or compromised immune systems, exposure to construction dust poses a grave risk to their health. Thus, mitigating these risks demands comprehensive measures to control and minimize dust exposure during construction activities, particularly in healthcare settings where patient vulnerability is heightened and legal ramifications can be severe. 

Does an Air Purifier Help with Dust?

If you manage a medical facility, you know the people coming to the building are potentially unwell and immunocompromised. It only makes sense that these individuals in need of care are increasing the amount of contaminants in the air in your building. It’s critically important to implement air purifiers for dust to reduce air contaminants and prevent disease transmission. 

In buildings where ventilation might not be optimal or where outdoor air pollution is a concern, air purifiers can act as an additional line of defense, helping to create a healthier indoor environment for occupants. This is especially crucial for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.

What happens if you don’t use air purifiers for dust control in a medical facility? First, you will see poor indoor air quality (IAQ). For people affected by respiratory issues, breathing in dust and other contaminants can cause or worsen discomfort, injury, or even death. The accumulation of dust is damaging to many kinds of sensitive equipment as well. Dust can clog ventilation systems, reduce the efficiency of HVAC systems, and cause premature wear and tear on machinery. Depending on the kind of dust in the air, dust can pose a fire hazard. If the dust is combustible, any sparks could lead to a fire or explosion.

So, how can you get rid of the dust in the air? You can wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust. You can keep bedding and furniture clean with frequent washing and vacuuming. However, the most effective way to remove dust from the air is to add air purifiers to your facility. Air purifiers for dust use filters and other technology to trap dust and other impurities, preventing them from remaining in the air inside your building. 

Minimize Risk with a Construction Dust Removal Machine

Buildings of all purposes eventually face renovation or new construction for additions. To keep those who work in the building and those who are visiting safe, you must have an air scrubber for construction dust. Construction dust, in particular, is dangerous to breathe in. Working in construction has been linked to an increased risk of COPD, emphysema, asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory issues. Certain dust types are also considered an environmental hazard.

To keep everyone safe, implement air purifiers that catch dust and debris. This protects not only the construction workers but also those who work in the building and those who are ill and coming to the building to be seen and feel better.

Demolish Dust with a HEPACART® Air Purifier

If you are serious about the health of those in your facility but need help determining where to begin, we understand! The path toward pure air amid construction can be overwhelming. Here, we highlight three options to help you obtain clean, breathable air. 

1. Containment: Closed-off Construction Rooms

When the construction zone is not entirely isolated from the rest of the building, dust particles open the door to come and go as they please. One of the first and most crucial steps to eradicating dust contamination is to close off the construction zone from the rest of the facility. Airflow into the area is essential, but you want to limit how much air travels. Keeping the construction zone contained is one of the most critical steps. 

STARC® Barriers

A customizable wall barrier can be a great option to help contain dust and debris in one area. STARC Systems RealWall are airtight walls that can be configured into any shape to prevent dust from freely traveling. They are more durable than other options and can be reused during a future project. Its quick installation makes it a great option if you need a last-minute solution for dust contamination. 

AnteRoom

A product like AnteRoom will be a perfect fit if you want total room isolation. Setting up this small room along the doorway mitigates the risk of work dust and related contaminants from traveling out of the construction zone. However, this system also serves as an air purifier for dust with external negative air machine adapters on either side of the enclosure. 

Negative Pressure Containment 

Using negative air machines along with sealed rooms helps create negative pressure, which makes sure that air moves into the construction area but is not able to escape. As the name suggests, this technique includes negative air -- meaning the air can enter a space but is then unable to leave it.  This helps more efficiently contain airborne dust and pathogens. This technique also filters the air. Negative pressure systems are great for keeping dust and germs from spreading to nearby spaces and are often found in construction sites and hospitals to make sure all air meets its high-quality standards and must be safely filtered and recycled before entering the facility.

Best Practices for Effective Construction Dust Containment

Air purifiers are great for removing construction dust and debris from sites. However, there are some other practices to follow to get the most out of your containment efforts. These include:

1. Sealing Off Entry Points: Make sure all points of entry are sealed off so that the construction and debris are unable to escape. This includes all entry points, such as doors, windows, and vents. If these areas are not already sealed off, specialized seals and barriers can be used to create a tight, secure containment area. To determine what type of seal or barrier would work best for you, start by conducting a pre-construction risk assessment. After determining the risk, you can roll out options such as plastic sheeting, drywall walls, fiberglass, STARC® LiteBarrier™, or STARC® RealWall™.
2. Airlocks and Clean Zones: Debris includes all of the construction materials that should not be inhaled by workers or those in the surrounding area. To further eliminate dust and debris, organizations can add an extra layer of production by installing airlocks and clean zones. Adding airlocks to the building entrances and construction zones can further reduce the risk of contamination. These designated areas would be where workers would be required to change into clean clothing or use tacky mats to remove dust from their shoes before entering clean zones. This practice is especially important in healthcare settings to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Monitoring and Maintenance: Containment systems sometimes break down or begin to work improperly over time, eliminating their ability to efficiently cycle out dust and debris. Conduction regular inspections help to ensure that the containment systems are all functioning properly. Any breaches or weaknesses in the containment barrier should be addressed immediately so that these issues can be resolved and workers and patients can avoid any unnecessary health issues. Additionally, the negative pressure should be continuously monitored to maintain the desired airflow direction​. Accumulated dust and debris should also be cleaned periodically. Neglecting to clean this can lead to rare lung diseases and other health concerns over time.

2. Cleansing the Air From Construction Dust

Having an air purifier for construction dust is ideal. This equipment will work efficiently to eliminate harmful particles that adversely affect people's health. When you establish methods that will not only isolate the harmful particles but completely clean the air in the facility, you will be on the right path toward good indoor air quality. 

Air Purifier

Air purifiers utilize a filter and a fan to move the air through the equipment and trap harmful particles. By circulating the air, it can keep air flowing through the system. Not only do these devices refresh stale air by ensuring proper ventilation, but they also ensure that only clean air is released back into the facility. However, a standard air purifier for construction dust may need more to keep the air circulating in a large room. 

HEPA Air Filters

When an air purifier for dust utilizes a HEPA air filter, it automatically upsets the game. HEPA filters can deeply and thoroughly clean the air by targeting tiny particles that can seep through other purification systems. At least 99.97% of size 0.3 microns can be captured by a medical-grade HEPA filter, making it a valuable asset to any construction zone. These filters utilize synthetic fibers to capture the tiniest particles and keep them from reentering the air. While an air purifier for construction dust is a great idea, not all systems will produce the same indoor air quality. If you want the best air quality, you must ensure your air purifier utilizes a HEPA filter. 

Why High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters Are Necessary 

HEPA filters are considered the best option for cleaning the air, particularly in places with a lot of dust, such as construction sites. They can trap 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. They have the ability to effectively capture most of the dust, allergens, and other harmful particles found in the air that many other filter types struggle to capture. By using HEPA filters, buildings can make sure that even the tiniest and most dangerous dust particles are taken out of the air, providing better indoor air quality and reducing the risk of related health issues from inhaling the air.

Extra Layers of Filtration with Multi-Stage Filtration Systems

To maximize the effectiveness of air purification in construction zones, consider using multi-stage filtration systems. These systems often include a pre-filter followed by a HEPA filter and sometimes an activated carbon filter to absorb odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The pre-filtration system is used to remove the larger particles and debris from the air. The HEPA filter is then used to tackle the smaller particles, providing the air with an extra layer of filtration. This multi-layered system allows for deeper air cleansing to more efficiently tackle the different types of pollutants that are commonly found on construction sites.

Integration with Negative Air Machines

Negative air machines work alongside air purifiers. They create a vacuum effect that pulls dust-laden air through the filtration system but then prevents it from escaping the sealed area.  This keeps contaminants from spreading to other areas of the building. If it is a smaller area for which the negative air machine is being used, the machine may operate with reduced power and lowered noise levels while still maintaining the necessary containment features. By establishing negative pressure in the construction zone, these machines help to contain dust and ensure that purified air is released back into the environment. This significantly minimizes the risk of contamination affecting surrounding areas.

Use of Portable Air Scrubbers for Cleaner Air

Air scrubbers remove chemicals, gasses, and other contaminants from the air through a search and retrieve method. They work by sending negative ions to find small pollutants in the air.  In addition to stationary air purifiers, portable air scrubbers can be used throughout the construction site to target specific areas with high dust concentrations. There are two scrubbing machine variations – wet and dry.  Wet scrubbing machines use a damp filter to trap particles, and dry scrubbers suck particles through a dry filter. These units are extra useful in confined spaces where dust often accumulates and where traditional ventilation might not be enough. Portable air scrubbers can also be moved as needed to clean the air in different parts of the construction zone​.

Air Quality Monitoring to Ensure Efforts Are Effective

To make air purification effective, it is important to monitor air quality on a regular basis. By using real-time air quality sensors, we can track the levels of particulate matter (PM) and inform facility managers when they need to take action. Real-time air quality sensors offer real-time data on particulate levels, humidity, temperature, and other important factors, so you will know immediately if the conditions drop below acceptable standards. This enables immediate adjustments to be made to the purification systems during unexpected events so that the air stays safe during the entirety of the construction process. 

Post-Construction Air Purification for Long-Term Air Quality

Air purification does not end with the construction process. Even after the construction work is completed, it is necessary to continue using air purifiers to remove residual dust that may continue to settle over time. This is how you make sure you are maintaining long-term indoor air quality, especially in environments that are sensitive to particulate matter, such as hospitals, schools, and offices. Continuing to purify the air post-construction also helps to prevent the recurrence of dust-related health issues and keeps the environment safe for occupants​.

3. Disinfect & Follow Healthcare Facility Hygiene Best Practices 

There are multiple health hazards in a construction zone. With air quality that can slip underneath the radar, it is crucial to take the proper precautions to disinfect the air. While surfaces are essential, too, the air can hold numerous particles that will remain unseen and could be left untreated.

Another feature that helps clean construction dust from the air is an air purifier with a UVC light. There are many benefits of germicidal UVC light air purifiers. The powerful light in the air purifiers and other air quality devices kills and destroys viruses in the air. Another kind of UVC light device is called far-UVC light. These light fixtures can be used in hospitals, doctors' offices, schools, airports, airplanes, and other public spaces and can provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza and pandemics. 

UV-FORCE®

If disinfection is an end goal, UV light technology can destroy pathogens smaller than .3 microns. Cleaning the air up to 99.9999% in less than a second is highly effective and can reduce the chance of people getting sick from harmful airborne particles. UV disinfection is a sound investment for any facility experiencing construction. 

Air Disinfection to Prevent the Spread of Infections

The quality of air in healthcare facilities plays a key role in preventing infections, particularly for patients who are more vulnerable due to weak immune systems. While it's important to manage dust levels, it's equally necessary to keep the air disinfected to lower the risk of airborne diseases. Air purifiers that combine HEPA filters with UV-C light technology can offer a twofold defense by filtering out dust and eliminating harmful germs.

Role of UV-C Light in Air Purification

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light has been proven effective in killing or inactivating airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This type of light has a shorter wavelength than regular visible light, so it can penetrate the pathogens instead of illuminating them. This is more effective than traditional disinfection and destroys the pathogens altogether, whether on a horizontal or vertical surface. 

UV-C light also prevents bacteria from growing in cool, damp conditions, which then oftentimes gets released into the air. When integrated into air purifiers, UV-C light can disinfect the air as it passes through the unit, reducing the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This is especially important in critical areas like operating rooms, patient recovery areas, and isolation units​.

Implementing Best Practices for Air and Surface Hygiene

Hygiene practices should include more than just air purification. It's crucial to disinfect surfaces regularly using EPA-approved cleaning agents that target a wide range of pathogens. Facilities need to implement strict cleaning protocols, ensuring that high-touch areas are cleaned several times throughout the day. In some cases, newer technologies can be used when appropriate. For example, far-UV sterilization allows for a no-touch process that has a 99.99% kill rate for pathogens and destroys them in a matter of seconds. However, before using a sterilization technique, make sure it is appropriate for the specific use you intend to use it for. 

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring to Stay Safe

Air purification systems need routine maintenance to be the most effective. To ensure all construction dust and other dangers in the air are being effectively removed, filters should be checked and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines, and UV-C lamps should be inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly.  If you are using negative air pressure, there are also a couple of different methods for checking the air, such as using a manometer or conducting a simple visual test with smoke or a flutter strip. HEPA construction air filters also may need regular changing. Keeping an eye on air quality in real-time with sensors can help make sure the air stays safe, allowing for immediate corrective action if needed​.

Compliance with Healthcare Regulations of Construction Dust

Healthcare facilities are responsible for Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which are often stirred up during construction because of increased traffic and activities such as jackhammering or opening of walls and ceilings. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and more.  If the facility is deemed responsible, there could be legal consequences. That is why following hygiene best practices in healthcare settings is not just a suggestion but also a legal obligation in many areas. It is important to stick to the guidelines set by OSHA, CDC, and local health departments to keep accreditation and steer clear of legal problems. Effective air disinfection and dust control are key parts of these regulations.

Educating Staff and Patients on Procedures to Follow

An often overlooked aspect of maintaining hygiene in healthcare settings is the education of both staff and patients. Healthcare workers should be trained on the importance of air quality and the proper use of air purification systems. This may include regular training sessions establishing cleaning protocols for specific spaces. Additionally, educating patients and visitors about good hygiene habits, like washing hands and wearing masks, can help lower the chances of spreading infections that travel through the air.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Air Purifiers 

What types of dust are most commonly produced during construction, and why are they dangerous?

• Construction dust can produce a bunch of harmful particles in the air. Some of the most common materials include plaster, sawdust, silica, asbestos, and mold spores. All of these particles are particularly harmful because they can be easily inhaled and have been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and even long-term conditions like COPD and lung cancer.

How does an air purifier help in reducing construction dust?

• Using an air purifier for dust, particularly those with HEPA filters, helps facilities capture more airborne dust particles that could cause serious health problems when inhaled. These construction air purifiers prevent those harmful particles from circulating in the air. This helps reduce the risk of respiratory issues, makes sure facilities are adhering to health regulations, and keeps the environment safe for both construction workers and building occupants.

What is the difference between a standard air purifier and one designed for construction dust?

• Air purifiers made for construction dust usually come with stronger filtration systems, like industrial-grade HEPA filters. These machines are designed to be able to manage larger amounts of dust and debris because they have the ability to pick up extremely small particles that most other machines miss. The machines also often have features like negative air pressure settings to stop construction dust from moving into other spaces.

Can air purifiers remove all types of particles generated during construction?

• HEPA filters have a very high success rate for removing almost all small particles that are kicked up in construction dist. They are highly effective at capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. However, some larger particles or gasses (like VOCs from paint or solvents) may require additional filtration methods, such as activated carbon filters, to be removed most effectively.

How many air purifiers do I need for a construction site?

• The number of air purifiers you will need to manage your construction dust depends on a few different factors. The amount needed depends on the size of the area, the volume of dust being produced, and the type of air purifier you choose to use. In most cases, larger areas or those with higher dust production will require more than one unit to have effective air cleaning.

How often should the filters in an air purifier be replaced during a construction project?

• How often you need to change the filter depends on the amount of dust generated and what type of air purifier model you have. In high-dust environments, you might have to swap out the filters more often. In some cases, filters used for construction dust need to be changed weekly to maintain the best performance.

Can air purifiers help with dust generated from demolitions as well as construction?

• Yes, air purifiers are great for managing dust from both construction and demolition projects. Both of these types of projects kick up similar types of dust particles. Using an air purifier for dust can help reduce the spread of harmful particles released during the demolition process. Dust from these demolition projects is also important to filter because they often include older building materials that may contain hazardous substances like asbestos.

Are there specific regulations or standards for air quality during construction?

• Yes, various regulations – such as OSHA guidelines – set the limits for what levels of dust exposure are acceptable in the workplace. Using air purifiers can help meet these standards and ensure facilities are meeting these standards and keeping up with safety regulations.

Can using an air purifier during construction improve long-term indoor air quality?

• Yes, air purifiers play a big role in cutting down on construction dust and debris while projects are taking place in the surrounding area. This helps prevent harmful construction dust particles from making their way into HVAC systems and other areas of the building. This has long-term benefits as well, such as improving indoor air quality even after the construction wraps up.

How do I choose the right air purifier for my construction project?

• When figuring out what will be the best air purifier for your needs, think about factors like how big of an area you need to cover, what kind of dust is being produced, and how well the purifier filters the air. You should also pick a model that will be easy for you to take care of and has a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This way, you can make sure you are getting the best possible performance for your site.

Don’t Take It From Us

While we believe wholeheartedly in the quality of our air purifier solutions, we want you to hear from the people who use the products in their facilities. Keep reading for real testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Mark Mitchell, Senior Project Manager, J & J Worldwide Services, said he implemented several of our products during construction products at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Manhattan Construction also used HEPACART equipment during construction at St. John Broken Arrow Hospital in Broken Arrow, OK, said Joe Anderson, Project Superintendent. 

Anderson said. “I would be happy to recommend HEPACART to any electrical/mechanical contractor or construction company that delivers projects in a healthcare environment. I have even recommended to St. John Healthcare that they seriously consider purchasing HEPACART's for their other Hospital Campuses in Oklahoma.”

Take Control of Your Air

By taking these steps, you can ensure that the air quality in your facility will be clean and safe to breathe during a construction project. If you want to go the extra mile, you can combine any of these methods to ensure that no dust will escape the construction zone and compromise those in your facility. Conducting an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) before any renovation, construction, or repair project can help you prepare for potential hazards. Download our Infection Control Risk Assessment today to help you identify the construction type and ways to prevent infection!