Health & Safety
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Jury is still out on widespread use of UV lights in cutting infections
Although respiratory ailments dropped in a test of ultraviolet lights in long-term care facilities, it’s not clear use of the technology is warranted in many settings, research suggests.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 26, 2025 -
Courtesy of Hydrosense
Testing gaps can leave FMs blind to Legionella risk
Delays and other shortcomings of lab culture tests can prolong building users’ exposure to the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a testing specialist says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 25, 2025 -
TW Farlow via Getty Images
Arizona’s system for funding K-12 facilities ruled unconstitutional
Built-in jurisdictional disparities prevent the state from providing a uniform school system that meets minimal standards, a state court says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Campus Guardian Angel
Florida schools will test armed drones this fall to thwart shooters
Three districts in the state will have the devices available as a first-response option that coordinates with local law enforcement, drone provider Campus Guardian Angel says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 21, 2025 -
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American Lung Association urges school radon testing
HVAC systems must be functioning properly, with clean filters, for the tests to accurately identify levels of the radioactive gas, the organization says.
By Joe Burns • Aug. 20, 2025 -
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Deep DiveNew York City workplace shooting exposes building security weaknesses
The mass shooting in July underscores how access controls fail, but facility managers can get better security out of the technology, specialists say.
By Joe Burns • Aug. 18, 2025 -
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Legionella just one of many HVAC risks, microbiologist says
Even products that operators use to clean ventilation systems can cause illness among building occupants, a scientist says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 15, 2025 -
Elijah Nouvelage via Getty Images
Blast-resistant glass likely limited damage at CDC
Some 150 bullets pierced four buildings when a shooter opened fire Aug. 8 at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Employees say they want bulletproof glass.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 14, 2025 -
Courtesy of DriSteem
3 ways humidification can boost the bottom line
By reducing absenteeism, preserving furniture and protecting equipment, facility managers that optimize humidification can reduce costs, an engineer says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 12, 2025 -
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Legionella outbreak puts facility managers on front lines
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease thrives in warm water, so improperly cleaned HVAC systems can spread infectious agents when they’re released through commercial cooling towers, officials say.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 11, 2025 -
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Perception more important than reality when it comes to clean air: survey
Odor, stuffiness and dust guide decision-making by building occupants, suggesting facility leaders should showcase their indoor air quality efforts, GPS Air says.
By Joe Burns • July 31, 2025 -
Courtesy of Massachusetts Dept. of Fire Services
Building operations not implicated in deadly Fall River fire
The assisted living facility had compliance problems in 2023 but they were related to medical management, not the building’s electrical or mechanical systems, according to preliminary findings.
By Robert Freedman • July 28, 2025 -
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Honeywell vulnerability exposes building systems to cyber attacks
Researchers have found vulnerabilities in the Niagara Framework, developed by a Honeywell company, which could allow attackers to disable building automation and security systems.
By Joe Burns • July 25, 2025 -
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Locating ventilation above aerosol source helps contain pathogen spread: study
Well-placed ventilation also increases the effectiveness of social distancing, researchers say.
By Robert Freedman • July 22, 2025 -
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DOE to drop accessibility requirement for buildings receiving federal funds
The U.S. Energy Department calls a decades-old accessibility provision redundant in a rule rescission taking effect soon.
By Robert Freedman • July 17, 2025 -
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Polymer coating boosts air quality sensors, study shows
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say they’ve developed a coating that can boost the performance and extend the life of formaldehyde sensors.
By Joe Burns • July 16, 2025 -
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Building operators rapidly adopt streamlined green, health building pathways
The payoff is substantial, especially when stakeholders align on building sustainability, health and operational goals, supporters say.
By Joe Burns • July 15, 2025 -
Courtesy of Verkada
Using smart cameras as social media-fueled incidents heat up
Cultural facilities are increasingly at risk for security breaches. That puts a spotlight on building operators as they try to pinpoint risks before they escalate.
By Robert Freedman • July 9, 2025 -
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How to protect building occupants from allergens and asthma triggers
While air quality, humidity levels and cleanliness are key, irritants can come from indoor surfaces and even cleaning products, experts say.
By Joe Burns • July 8, 2025 -
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ASHRAE focusing on indoor environmental quality, sustainability
President Bill McQuade’s theme for 2025-26 is healthy buildings. That goal doesn’t have to come at the expense of energy efficiency, a standards committee member says.
By Joe Burns • July 1, 2025 -
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Manufacturer accused of trying to stop talk on possible turf health impacts
Grassroots Environmental Education and some scientists filed a lawsuit against Polyloom Corp. of America for allegedly using a defamation lawsuit against them to stop their participation in a webinar.
By Robert Freedman • June 30, 2025 -
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Most building management systems exposed to cyber vulnerabilities, experts warn
A study of over 467,000 building management systems across 500 organizations found that 2% of all devices essential to business operations had the highest level of risk exposure.
By Joe Burns • June 26, 2025 -
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Johnson Controls relaunches Connected Sprinkler service
The service, which integrates with existing sprinkler systems, can help facility managers shift to predictive maintenance, limit downtime and potentially reduce insurance premiums, the company says.
By Joe Burns • June 24, 2025 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Targeted investment, tech can sustain critical infrastructure
To help communities bounce back after disaster, jurisdictions must identify gaps in lifeline systems and cost-effective ways to mend them, panelists at the Building Innovation 2025 conference said.
By Julie Strupp • June 18, 2025 -
Retrieved from Exhale Fans on June 17, 2025
Bladeless ceiling fan maker touts design’s energy, air quality benefits
Pulling cool, dry air from the floor and redistributing it across the room can save operators money while improving indoor air quality, a bladeless fan manufacturer says.
By Joe Burns • June 17, 2025
