#76 - Erik Malmstrom: The Invisible Made Visible: Tracking Pathogens Through Buildings

Send us a textImagine if you could actually see how viruses and bacteria move through the air in a building. That's exactly what Safe Traces technology allows us to do, and the implications for public health and building performance are profound. In this eye-opening conversation, CEO Eric Malmstrom reveals how his company's DNA-tagging technology is transforming our understanding of airborne infection risk.Born from bioterrorism concerns after 9/11, Safe Traces developed surrogate challenge agents that safely simulate how pathogens behave in real-world environments. By releasing these DNA-tagged particles in buildings and tracking their movement, they can visualize infection pathways that were previously invisible. This empirical approach reveals surprising truths about our buildings: many modern facilities are dramatically overventilated (wasting energy without improving safety), while schools and older buildings often have dangerous gaps in protection that simple interventions could fix.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Malmstrom's firsthand experience deploying this technology across diverse environments—from healthcare facilities to schools, offices to prisons. The patterns he's observed challenge conventional wisdom about ventilation rates, air disinfection efficacy, and the relationship between building codes and actual health outcomes. His military background brings a unique perspective on risk management and resilience that enriches the discussion.The most exciting revelation? We're on the cusp of a revolution in aerobiology technology, with real-time pathogen detection systems just months away from deployment. Combined with growing momentum toward mandatory indoor air quality standards, we may finally be approaching meaningful change in how we design and operate our buildings to protect public health.Support the showCheck out the Air Quality Matters website for more information, updates and more. And the YouTube Channel The Air Quality Matters Podcast is brought to you in partnership with. Eurovent Farmwood Aereco Aico Ultra Protect Zehnder Group The One Take Podcast is brought to you in partnership with. SafeTraces & InBiot All great companies that share the podcast's passion for better air quality in the built environment. Supporting them helps support the show.