HVAC, Building Performance: Probiotics for Sick Buildings

In recent years there have been many television commercials and other advertisements touting the health benefits of probiotics, the “good” bacteria.

The California Dairy Research Foundation defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Some of the health benefits to consuming probiotics include enhanced immunity, a reduced risk of infectious diseases and improved digestive function, according to the foundation.

So could these microorganisms play a role in improving building health?

An interesting trend to watch is the use of probiotics in building products. Israeli company Better Air appears to be on the cusp of the innovation, according to an article in The Cutting Edge. The company hopes to combat sick building syndrome with its BioZone product.

Air conditioning systems are often the culprits behind a number of ailments, particularly respiratory issues, associated with sick building syndrome. Because AC systems create moisture and experience varying temperature changes, their environments are breeding grounds for mold and other bacteria spores. Then when the system is in operation, the spores are blown out into the air.

BioZone introduces probiotics, the good bacteria, into the air so the bad bacteria have no room left to grow. BioZone is appropriate for use in all indoor environments in which mechanical air systems are used, but it’s primarily being marketed to hospitals, restaurants and retirement homes.

Better Air’s CEO Yuli Horesh explains why probiotics are one of the best options to remedying sick buildings.

“Instead of chemicals, our technology utilizes safe and beneficial bacteria and enzymes, like millions of tiny workers, that physically actually works down to the microscopic level, removing dirt, allergens and other contaminants,” he says. “Probiotics are as safe for your skin and for surfaces as yogurt is for the inside of your body.”

Using probiotic products combined with effectively cleaning your HVAC system could be a sure-fire way to make sick buildings a thing of the past.

What’s your opinion: Will the use of probiotics in building products continue to increase? As a facility manager, is this a technology you would consider? As the popularity of probiotics and good bacteria continues to grow, will building occupants advocate for their use?

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