In the past few years, the world has started paying more attention to the dangers of airborne pathogens. Cleanrooms have been around since the 1960s, but today’s cleanrooms can maintain pristine standards unimagined by early innovators. They are now environmentally-controlled, enclosed spaces in which the concentration of airborne contaminants is confined or restricted within specified limits. With the onset of the pandemic and ever-increasing healthcare standards, the cleanroom technology equipment market is poised to grow by $1.57 billion in the next five years.

In healthcare, cleanrooms are being employed to protect patients and staff from contaminants and prevent the spread of harmful particles with air handling systems that use sophisticated filters and manipulate air pressure.

In any application, detailed guidelines exist. First and foremost, outside contaminants must not be introduced into the cleanroom environment. But it’s also critical that any equipment in the space does not generate contaminants through processes such as friction or by emitting fumes. In addition, any existing contaminants (such as airborne pathogens) must be eliminated or expelled, and procedures must be in place to prevent contaminants from accumulating.

To meet these guidelines, cleanrooms need specialized construction and sophisticated air handling systems. Factors such as pressurization, airflow, humidity, temperature, and filtration must be monitored and continually managed.

Coward Environmental, Inc. (CESI) is proud to represent many manufacturers who build cleanroom components and systems. We’ve highlighted some of these offerings in this article.