Just a month after announcing changes designed to allow each organization to act more efficiently and effectively, the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) have announced new programs to benefit the indoor environmental quality industry. These initiatives demonstrate how the organizations best function in their respective roles as an independent certifying body, a membership association and a standards development organization.

IESO released a draft candidate ANSI standard for public review last month. “IESO 4310/Portable High Efficiency Air Filtration (PHEAF) Device Field Testing and Validation Standard" provides minimum in-field testing requirements for portable high efficiency air filtration devices, such as vertical and horizontal PHEAF devices, movable and hand-held vacuums, and other filtered suction devices used for removing dust, dirt, mold, asbestos, lead, soot and other contaminants.

“This is our first standard approved by the IESO Consensus Body for public review, and it will be the first of many. IESO expects to have at least three more standards out for public comment in the next twelve months,” said Steven Canter, IESO President.

The American Council for Accredited Certification (formerly the American IAQ Council) now offers certification programs for infection control professionals involved in renovation, demolition and construction projects in the indoor environment. The Council-certified Environmental Infection Control Consultant/Investigator (CEICC/I) and Council-certified Environmental Infection Control Supervisor/Remediator (CEICS/R) are awarded to individuals with broad knowledge and verified experience in this crucial and expanding field.

“Infection control in the indoor environment isn’t limited to hospitals; it is also a growing concern in schools, assisted living facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, research facilities and even the agriculture industry,” said Charlie Wiles, ACAC Executive Director.

Last month IAQA launched a tremendous new benefit designed to bring a wealth of technical advice and problem-solving information: the IAQA Listserv is now open exclusively to members of the association. “We had more than 100 members sign up for the Listserv the day it debuted,” said Andrew Ask, IAQA President. “Recent posts have covered topics like H1N1, thermography, corrosive imported drywall, and industry standards. The Listserv is exactly the kind of resource sharing benefit IAQA is here to facilitate.”