Filtration Science Research Well Received at IEQ 2025 in Montreal
an Article on Filtration Science by Dr Anna O’Donovan.
The IEQ 2025 Conference in Montreal (September 24–26, 2025) brought together leading experts in indoor environmental quality to exchange ideas, showcase innovation, and advance solutions for healthier indoor spaces. Among the highlights was a research poster presented by Dr. John McKeon, Principal of the iAIR Institute, featuring the work of the scientific team at Airmid Healthgroup.
Poster Presentation: Bespoke Testing in the Real World
On Thursday, September 25, Dr. McKeon presented the poster:
“Bespoke Testing of Filtration Systems to Ensure Air Quality in Trains.”
The study — led by Dr. John Ryan, Dr. Angela Southey, Josh Ryan, Aaron Robinson, Oliver Dsa, and Himangi Das— compared a MERV-13 filter with proprietary antimicrobial coating against a MERV-16 benchmark filter. By testing under simulated real-world train conditions with both bacterial (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and viral (Influenza A H1N1) challenges, the team demonstrated the value of bespoke testing in revealing filter performance beyond standard methods.
Strong Engagement and Positive Reception
The poster generated significant interest during Poster Session 2, sparking conversations with researchers, engineers, and industry leaders about the future of filtration in transport environments. Attendees were particularly engaged by:
- The surprising finding that the antimicrobial-coated MERV-13 filter outperformed the MERV-16 in the simulated train environment.
- The demonstration of how bespoke methodologies can complement standardized testing, providing real-world validation.
- The implications for passenger health and safety in public transport settings, where high density and limited ventilation pose unique IAQ challenges.
Feedback from peers showed the importance of bridging the gap between lab-based testing and real-world application, a theme that resonated strongly throughout the conference.
Why This Matters
Public transport is increasingly recognized as a critical environment for airborne infection risk management. The positive response to Airmid’s research highlights a growing consensus:
- Manufacturers need real-world validation to design filtration systems that perform under operational conditions.
- Standards bodies benefit from data that illustrates how testing can evolve to reflect measurable health outcomes.
- Passengers ultimately benefit from environments that reduce exposure risks while improving comfort.
Looking Ahead for Filtration Science
Airmid Healthgroup’s contribution at IEQ 2025 demonstrates the value of applied science and bespoke methodologies in shaping the future of indoor environmental quality. The strong reception of this research reinforces our mission: to deliver testing and evidence that connect standards, innovation, and public health outcomes.
📩 If you would like a full-size version of the poster or access to the complete study results, contact us
Related Tests and Services at Airmid Healthgroup
Aerobiology Test Chambers: Laboratory Testing Services
28.5 m³ Environmental Test Chamber
30m³ Environmental Test Chamber
3 m³ Environmental Test Chamber
ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2-2007: Air Filter Testing & MERV Ratings: Laboratory Testing Services
Related Blogs and Case Studies to Filtration Science
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Studies at Airmid Healthgroup | ISO 17025 Testing
From Compliance to Outcomes: Airmid at ASHRAE 2025
ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality: Dennis Knight Explores the Future at Airmid Healthgroup
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- ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
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About the iAIR Groip
Aerobiology Lab Testing for Airborne Pathogens, Infectious Aerosols & Antimicrobial Surfaces. Comprehensive Testing Services for Infectious Aerosols, Airborne Pathogens & Anti-Microbial Surface Technologies Airmid Healthgroup is a world-leading contract research laboratory, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB, Reg. No. 284T) for specific allergen testing methods, including cat (Fel d 1) and house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p 1), and is dedicated to safeguarding health in the built environment. From airborne pathogen testing and indoor air quality validation to antimicrobial surface and textile efficacy studies, we provide the independent data and scientific validation that innovators need to meet regulatory requirements, accelerate product development, and earn consumer confidence. Trusted globally by medtech, consumer product, and building technology leaders, our advanced bioaerosol chamber facilities and expertise in microbiology, virology, allergens and aerobiology enable real-world performance testing to the highest international standards, including: ASHRAE 241, AHAM, AC-5, ISO 16000, ISO 18184, and ASTM E3135.
