White House Virtual Event

Let's Clear the Air on COVID: An OSTP Discussion on Clean Indoor Air

Join the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for a virtual event spotlighting the science behind improving indoor air quality (IAQ) to reduce COVID-19 transmission and produce better overall health outcomes – and how to engage Americans on the topic. This event continues OSTP’s work to advance science and technology that benefits all people. This event will encourage all people to increase their air awareness and take simple but powerful actions to improve IAQ.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 12:30 PM - 2:00PM ET

Background

The Biden-Harris Administration identified improved IAQ as an important tool to fight the spread of airborne diseases in the American Pandemic Preparedness Plan last September. This month, EPA, in collaboration with other federal departments and agencies, launched the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge and released a practical guide for building managers, contractors, homeowners, and business owners to create an action plan for cleaner indoor air.

Additional information including the event agenda can be found on the OSTP website. 

Featured Speakers

Dr. Alondra Nelson, head of the White House OSTP, will host a public event on the science behind clean indoor air featuring public health experts, social scientists, and engineers. Dr. Nelson will open the event with a fireside chat discussion with fellow social scientist and journalist Dr. Zeynep Tufekci (University of North Carolina and New York Times) on how ventilation is a critical part of preventing the spread of future variants and pandemics.

Air quality experts Dr. Joseph Allen (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) and Dr. Linsey Marr (Virginia Tech) will discuss the science behind clean indoor air, and Kenneth Martinez (Integrated Bioscience and Built Environment Consortium) will discuss steps individuals can take to improve ventilation and filtration.

Tracy Enger of EPA will highlight the history of the agency’s work to improve indoor air in schools, the work ahead, and available resources for improving ventilation in your home, office building, or business.