CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—AURA Technologies, an innovative provider of technology solutions for health, safety, security, and national defense, launched the AURA Ion Bar, a groundbreaking new product category in the indoor air quality space. The Ion Bar is the only system in the world that creates a germ-destroying barrier across any two spaces safely using Negative Air Ions (NAIs). This first-of-its-kind product addresses a critical flaw in current indoor air quality systems by targeting the contamination that occurs in areas where you feel most vulnerable to germs and contaminants—such as conference rooms, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, and public transport. The AURA Ion Bar...

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—As rapid growth in demand for clean, chemical-free solutions for odor control and moisture management fuels expansion, FUZE Technologies has launched “FUZE University.” Located at their new headquarters in Salt Lake City, FUZE University will become a regular event. Designed to be a week-long educational and networking opportunity for their rapidly growing base of mills, brands, and manufacturers, the first summit brought together a global collective of FUZE partners from Asia, South America, and Europe. “FUZE is a fantastic solution for brands and mills looking to increase apparel and textile performance while cutting down on their use of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED. It marks a transformative milestone in the built environment’s alignment with a low-carbon future and addresses critical imperatives such as equity, health, ecosystems, and resilience. The LEED rating system is the world’s preeminent green building certification system, with more than 100,000 projects certified globally. While the launch of LEED v5 begins with existing buildings, LEED v5 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) will roll out in 2024. In conjunction with the...

It is not something that is common where I live in Florida but yesterday there was an air quality alert due to a cloud of Canadian wildfire smoke that drifted down my way. The smoke originated in British Columbia and Alberta. It traveled thousands of miles to Eastern Canada by circulating winds and then was dragged southward by the remnants of Ophelia, as the storm petered out in the Atlantic Ocean. Wildfire smoke is just one of many environmental factors that impact outdoor air quality, and indoor air quality (IAQ) as well. IAQ was on my mind recently when the Asthma...

When was the last time you stayed at a hotel with a PTAC and noticed an extra air filtration cover over the PTAC? You most likely have not experienced this but at a trade show earlier in the year I discovered a company, RZ Industries, that makes an air purifying filter that attaches to the front of the PTAC. Called the RZ AIRflow, it improves the air quality of the guestroom by removing 99.7 percent of airborne particulates from inside and outside. The system uses carbon filters and a HEPA filter. There is no added noise when using the...

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA.—As wildfires continue to rage, communities face ongoing indoor air quality problems. Pyure Dynamic Protection, a leader in air and surface purification, safely and efficiently improves indoor air quality (IAQ) by rapidly reducing the harmful smoke, chemicals, and odors that these wildfires emit. Pyure’s technology naturally breaks apart pollutants in the air and complements a building’s filtration system to create fresh breathing spaces. Canada is battling its worst wildfire season on record, and toxic smoke is moving across North America, with 18 states currently under air quality alerts. And the fires in Maui have created another tragic disaster. As...

DALLAS—PURE WELLNESS, a leading provider of turnkey wellness premium rooms, providing a refreshing and relaxing experience to guests, announced its expanded partnership with Atrium Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. The deepened alignment will add approximately 70 new properties to the Pure Wellness portfolio spanning a variety of hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Over the next six months, 32 hotels (360 rooms) will be converted, with an additional 36 hotels (365 rooms) set to join the portfolio in 2024—bringing the total number of Pure Rooms to 874. “We couldn’t be more excited to...

NATIONAL REPORT—The use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other “smokeless” tobacco products has increased recently. Unlike traditional cigarettes, the biggest advantage of vapes and these products is that you can enjoy them anywhere. Whether you are out walking or seated with friends, you don’t have to seclude yourself because of vaping. Enthusiasts can also use vapes to smoke other products, including recreational marijuana. Superficially, vaping is considered a viable option compared to traditional cigarettes. Vapes emit vapor, which is thought to help smokers reduce or quit smoking. While there’s an aspect of truth in this, does vaping affect the air quality...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, has announced an expanded portfolio for its Color Pop luxury vinyl tile and plank series. With the addition of six new colors—Breeze, Lilac, Sandpiper, Sorbet, Sunbeam, and Very Berry—Color Pop is now available in 30 hues and three tile sizes, allowing tremendous design flexibility. “Color Pop celebrates color’s unique ability to impact the mood of any space, whether it be inspiring creativity in the workplace, encouraging discovery in the classroom, or creating calm for patients and healthcare staff,” said Omoleye Simmons, Vice President, Design. “With the ability to mix...

NATIONAL REPORT—When guests stay at hotels and resorts, they expect to have clean and safe accommodations. But a recent study by researchers from San Diego State University found this might not always be true. After analyzing more than 332,000 reviews left by internet users on 477 lodging properties across the country, it was found that 80 percent of the complaints were related to thirdhand smoke. It is important to note that 96 percent of these hotels advertised themselves as smoke-free. Thirdhand smoke, like its firsthand and secondhand counterparts, can be dangerous. It can be defined as pollutant residue that lingers...