HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-20 Public Comment - C. Bartholomew - Merv Filtration Systems (addressing COVID-19 Air Quality)From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Merv Filtration Systems (addressing COVID-19 Air Quality)
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2020 10:59:16 AM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: Cheryl Bartholomew [fitseniors@gmail.com]Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2020 10:57 AMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Merv Filtration Systems (addressing COVID-19 Air Quality)
Good Morning Mayor Mehl,
First, let me thank you and the City Commissioners for requesting the health department to consider making "maskwearing" mandatory in Bozeman. I believe this is necessary to contain the virus and protect all ages. As ourchildren and teachers prepare to return to school this fall, we must take every possible precaution to ensure a safeenvironment for all.
On a different, but related note I have been researching information regarding indoor filtration systems and the latestinformation on the spread of airborne Covid-19 particles. Given the fact that pandemics are predicted to become amore frequent threat in society, I see this as an opportunity for Bozeman to be proactive in renovating andconstructing safer indoor spaces. We can start by making the necessary changes in public buildings and schools.
Indoor air circulation plays a key role in community spread. Standard air conditioning systems simply scatter thevirus if they are not designed to bring in fresh outside air and indoor air is not streamlined to a properly placedreturn vent. While HEPA filters help take out large particles of the virus they aren't capable of capturing the moreminute particles which we now know can travel as far as 30 ft. The best filtration systems currently available are theMERV rated systems. I know Professor Brush will be focusing on how to implement appropriate air circulation andcleaning systems as he moves forward with the design of the Intergenerational Community Center. I think that couldbe helpful for future structures ( i.e. the proposed Recreation/ Pool Center on the books for 2022), but there is amore immediate need that I am hoping we can address asap. I am referring to the current city owned buildings,many of which are old and have antiquated or inadequate air circulation/ heating or air conditioning systems. I feelthis needs to be a priority for the safety of employees and the community at large.
On a personal level, my biggest concern regarding reinstating my Active Ages Classes at Story Mill CommunityCenter once we enter Phase 3, is the safety and health of my most vulnerable older adult participants (60-96 yearsyoung). I have had several discussions with Jamie Saitta regarding air filtration at Story Mill Community Centerand other sites where I have held classes. It is likely I will return to teaching in September ( or whenever Phase 3goes into effect), focusing only on outdoor classes (i.e. like power walking and/or stability for mobility training withpoles) because of the potential airborne spread of Covid-19 indoors. I will certainly abide by all protocols ( parksand rec has done an excellent job of establishing safety guidelines that meet or exceed those recommended by thehealth department), but the older adult population requires special attention and possibly modifications that couldput them at greater risk if / when we need to move classes indoors ( usually by the end of October). Limiting classsize and social distancing are easy to implement, but wearing masks is a more complex issue for older adults whenexercising. Their breathing is often more compromised because many older adults are dealing with chronicrespiratory illnesses like COPD, asthma, or they are shallow breathers and a mask only exacerbates these problems.If I wear a mask, they likely won't be able to hear me or understand what I am saying. Therefore, clean, filtered airbecomes even more of an issue.
My purpose in relaying my concerns is to help keep the needs of the aging population in forefront, because that is
how we define an age-friendly, livable community. I realize you have many equally demanding priorities and issuesto address related to growth of our city as well as addressing the Covid-19 related health and safety concerns,economic, educational, and diversity matters; but air quality helps ensure a safer indoor environment for all of us. Ifwe don't address this, it will negatively impact our social, emotional, educational and vocational interactions/abilities; in addition to the our health .
Mike Gray will be involved as a facility/ city representative as we proceed with the MSU project and is probably thekey person to help evaluate the air circulation systems in the buildings he serves. I am aware that Story MillCommunity Center is preparing to install an HVAC system this Fall. In my opinion, it is critical to explore andincorporate the MERV filtration system in this renovation. Cutting corners on this health and safety feature does notmake sense. We must be proactive and build for the future.
In light of what I stated above, I have sent the following links related to air quality/ circulation to Prof. Brush andJamie Saitta with the hope they will pass on this information for approval, explore the options and implement themto the degree they can within their realm of responsibility.
https://www.camfil.com/damdocuments/43168/523332/flyer---coronavirus-air-filtration-strategies-eng-us.pdfhttps://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/resources/interactives/protecting_building_occupants/merv.html
https://www.nafahq.org/covid-19-corona-virus-and-air-filtration-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-disinfection https://alliedexperts.com/air-quality-and-covid-
19/
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns and suggestions.
Thank you for your dedicated service to our community.
Best regards,Cheryl BartholomewSeniors 'N Sync, LLChairperson, AARP/ WHO Network of Livable Communities; Bozeman Chapter