Cambridge, MA – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Metalmark’s self-renewing air cleaner one of two winners of its Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires Challenge.
The EPA Challenge was created to identify “low-cost solutions that safely reduce indoor fine particulate matter during periods when outdoor PM2.5 concentrations are high.”
The Metalmark patented technology is the world’s first self-renewing air cleaner. Its HEPA-grade filter captures 99.97+% of particulate matter, including wildfire smoke without byproduct emissions, as validated by the EPA’s testing. About once a month, the system cleans its filter to enable up to 5 years of useful life. This results in low cost of ownership, maintenance, and waste generation while providing cleaner indoor air with a number of health and economic benefits such as reduced absenteeism and HVAC energy use.
Metalmark CEO, Sissi Liu, said, “Several years ago, the Metalmark team set out to develop an effective, sustainable, and affordable air cleaner to provide superior indoor air quality. We knew that ventilation was not enough. As many of us experienced even on the East Coast in 2023, wildfire smoke spreads on a continental scale and causes a variety of health problems. Ventilation during such times makes the indoor air less healthy, while HVAC filtration, even with MERV-13 filters, may not provide adequate protection as previously assumed. The recently published paper by our scientists revealed the gaps in HVAC filter technology and MERV testing standards. We’re very proud that the EPA has recognized the value of our patented innovation for helping protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
While the Challenge submissions were prototypes aimed at residential use, Metalmark has advanced its technology and designs to address air quality problems beyond smoke to include the removal of viruses and bacteria. Tatama is a system that targets commercial building retrofit and new build integrations. In addition to the innovative design, Tatama offers real-time IAQ data insights and smart operations to deliver air quality that occupants can rely on and low-maintenance operations that facilities managers appreciate.
The EPA Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires Challenge was created by the EPA and its 10 federal, state, tribal, and local organization partners in response to the growing dangers of wildfire smoke. Wildfires emit a large number of submicron particles with varied toxic chemical compositions. These fine particles travel thousands of miles and easily infiltrate indoors. In June of 2023, New York City had the most unhealthy air of any city in the world due to smoke from wildfires in western Canada that eventually made its way to Europe. This is concerning since public health advisories typically recommend staying indoors during episodes of heavy smoke. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are especially at risk from wildfire smoke particulate matter. Typical HVAC systems are not designed to address smoke pollution. Tatama can address these emergency needs and also provide day-to-day protection against other air contaminants.
About Metalmark
First inspired by the nanostructures of the metalmark butterfly’s wings, Metalmark Innovations, PBC, creates sustainable products from the nanoscale up for dealing with climate, sustainability, and health challenges. Metalmark developed Tatama, the self-renewing air cleaning solution that brings freshened air to classrooms, medical facilities, offices, and more while requiring far less maintenance than other commercial air cleaners, along with the benefits of lower ventilation, energy use, and cost. For more information, visit https://metalmark.xyz
