Clean UBC Okanagan’s Air through Wall-mount Air Filtering Devices
The "Clean UBC Okanagan’s Air" project aims to improve indoor air quality by using innovative wall-mounted air filters with C-Polar’s technology. These discreet units reduce harmful airborne particles and pathogens while enhancing energy efficiency. The project has potential applications in homes, hospitals, and classrooms beyond UBC Okanagan.
Project Team
Sunny Li, Professor - Mechanical Engineering (UBCO).
Jonathan Little, Professor – Faculty of Health and Social Development - School of Health and Exercise Science (UBCO).
Jake Winkler, Research Coordinator - Faculty of Health and Social Development - School of Health and Exercise Science (UBCO).
Martin Gibb – UBC Facilities (UBCO).
Roger Bizzotto – UBC Facilities (UBCO).
Project Description
Information on the development and unique aspects of the ART devices, including their design, function, and the technology used (e.g., positively charged filters, quiet computer fans).
- Need: Explain the critical need for this research in the context of UBC Okanagan, the region, and potentially on a global scale.
- Approach: Description of the ART technological solutions and innovations being implemented.
- Impact: Expected outcomes and benefits of the project for UBC Okanagan and potential application beyond UBCO
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a significant concern, as it is directly associated with negative health outcomes for individuals. Pathogenic microorganisms, smoke particulates, and chemical pollutants pose serious risks to health. University settings, such as UBC Okanagan, are particularly vulnerable to poor IAQ due to the high density of people and the considerable time spent in enclosed spaces. The need to improve IAQ through effective and energy-efficient technology is more critical than ever, especially as we continue to face the seasonal spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, influenza, and the common cold, as well as severe wildfire smoke pollution exacerbated by climate change.
Over the past two years, the Eminence Cluster for Excellence in Airborne Disease Transmission Research Cluster (ADTRC) has partnered with the BC-based company C-Polar Technologies, Interior Health and the Ministry of Health to develop an innovative air filtration device known as the Aerosol Removing Tapestry (ART). This device, cleverly disguised as a wall painting, utilizes C-Polar’s positively charged filter media and quite computer fans to reduce airborne particulate and aerobic bacteria.
The CLL project will have measurable impacts on various air quality parameters, including particulate matter concentrations, viral and bacterial loads, smoke levels, and energy consumption. These metrics will be used to assess whether the introduction of a wall-mounted ART filter is an innovative and energy-efficient solution to improving the resilience of indoor environments, such as university campuses, against infection spread and smoke inhalation. Beyond the immediate health and environmental benefits for UBC Okanagan, the findings from this project have broader implications for all indoor settings. If successful, this work has the potential benefit IAQ management in diverse indoor environments, including residential homes and high-occupancy locations such as long-term care facilities.
List of Related Publications
Rogak, Steven N et al. “The effect of air purifiers and curtains on aerosol dispersion and removal in multi-patient hospital rooms.” Indoor air vol. 32,10 (2022): e13110. doi:10.1111/ina.13110
Zabihi, M., Li, R. & Brinkerhoff, J. Influence of indoor airflow on airborne disease transmission in a classroom. Build. Simul. 17, 355–370 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12273-023-1097-y
Christianson CD, Baylis JB, Komisar V, Brinkerhoff J. Quantifying Ventilation Design, Room Layout, and Occupant Activity Parameters during Aerosol-Generating Medical Procedures in Hospitals. Indoor Air. 2023;2023(1):6641824.