Essentially, the chemical composition of inversion pollution causes it to evaporate or change state when it enters the warmer, drier environment of a heated building, effectively reducing the concentration of measurable particulate matter indoors. Wildfire smoke, however, consists of solid carbonaceous particles and organic compounds that do not "disappear" upon entry, allowing them to linger and accumulate.
Research Continues to Find Solutions
While the initial study period has concluded, the project remains very much alive. The sensors continue to monitor the campus air, providing real-time data that is visible to the public and the campus community. Next to the devices, statements explain the research and its funding, which was provided by Seed2Soil and Student Community Investment Fund (SCIF) grants.
The long-term goal of the research is to move beyond observation and toward active mitigation. The findings are expected to serve as a roadmap for campus building managers as they develop operational strategies to protect indoor air quality during the "smoke season."
However, implementing a universal fix is easier said than done. The University of Utah campus comprises approximately 18 million square feet of building space, featuring a vast array of architectural styles and mechanical systems. Sean Nielson, an engineer with Facilities Management’s Sustainability and Energy group and a co-author of the study, emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach is impossible.
"Every building and system has unique features," Nielson said. "Looking at buildings and systems individually is something we’re going to consider in the future and see what we can do to modify that system."
One might assume the simplest solution would be to close the outdoor air dampers entirely on smoky days. However, Nielson points out that building codes and health standards require a minimum amount of outside air to be circulated to dilute and flush out indoor contaminants, such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
"You still have code minimum requirements for a certain amount of outside air that must be provided," Nielson explained. "Finding the ideal balance between outside air and recirculated inside air is difficult due to the high number of variables."
One potential solution is the implementation of higher-rated MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters. While these filters are more effective at capturing fine particles, they also create more resistance to airflow, which can strain older HVAC motors and reduce energy efficiency. Furthermore, there are physical limitations to what these filters can catch and how they can be retrofitted into existing, aging equipment.
As the University of Utah continues to refine its building operations, this research provides a vital foundation for balancing the competing needs of energy conservation, mechanical longevity, and human health. The study serves as a reminder that as the climate changes and wildfire events become a more permanent fixture of the landscape, the way we design and manage our indoor environments must evolve in kind.
