H.E. Barney Burroughs: A Pioneer in Indoor Environmental Quality & Air Cleaning
H. E. Barney Burroughs serves as an Advisor to CEO Kevin Jameson, bringing decades of expertise in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and air cleaning to enhance PureAir Filtration’s product lines. Barney Burroughs’ enduring impact on air quality standards and his commitment to improving the environment has left a legacy in the field. As a pioneer in IAQ and a dedicated leader, he has shaped policies, standards, and practices that benefit public health and the environment alike. His expertise has been instrumental in the design and launch of the LIFEGARD™ media bed monitor.
Burroughs is a prominent figure in the field of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and a recognized expert in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and air cleaning. As the President and CEO of Building Wellness Consultancy, Inc., Burroughs leads a firm that specializes in IAQ diagnostics, filtration, and consulting on issues related to building health, safety, and security. His extensive experience and contributions have made him a key figure in advancing the standards of indoor environments globally.
Career and Contributions
Burroughs was a principal and director (now retired) of Environmental Design International, Ltd. (EDI Engineers), an IT consulting firm based in Atlanta that primarily served the healthcare and IT sectors. His leadership at EDI laid the foundation for his later success as a consultant and thought leader in environmental health and air quality.
Here is a sampling of Burroughs’ most well-known written works:
- Biographical Summary (Professional Resume)
- History of Air Filtration and Air Cleaning: A 100 Year Review of Significant Advances and Related Influences in the Advancement of the Art and Science of Filtration and Air Cleaning
- How You Can Impact the World Through Filtration (Presentation from NAFA 2019 Technical Seminar)
Founding of Purafil, Inc.
In 1971, Burroughs founded Purafil, Inc., a company that manufactured specialty gas phase filtration products. Under his leadership, Purafil became a major player in the air filtration industry. He remained CEO until 1986, when he transitioned to focus on his role at ASHRAE and his consulting ventures.
Leadership in ASHRAE
One of Burroughs’ most significant professional roles was serving as the International President of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) during 1987-1988. His involvement with ASHRAE has been long-standing, and even after his presidency, he remains an active member. He has held various key positions, including Chairman of the Environmental Health Committee and member of several technical committees focused on gaseous and particulate filters.
Burroughs has played an instrumental role in shaping air filtration standards, having served as the chairman of the SPPC 52.2 on Fractional Efficiency of Particulate Filters and as a member of the Advanced IAQ Design Guide Project Committee. His work earned him ASHRAE’s Distinguished Service and Exceptional Service Awards. He was also recognized with the ASHRAE Environmental Health Award and the prestigious Andrew Boggs Award for Sustained Exceptional Service, honoring his remarkable contributions to the field.
Involvement with Other Organizations
In addition to his leadership within ASHRAE, Burroughs has made significant contributions to other key organizations within the field of environmental quality. He chaired the Indoor Environmental Quality Subcommittee of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute’s (ARTI) Research Activity for Century 21 Industry R&D. Burroughs is also a Certified IAQ Professional (CIAQP) and served as the Past-Chairman of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) CIAQP certification board.
In recognition of his contributions to education, Burroughs was named AEE Environmental Educator of the Year in 1995 and Trainer of the Year by Indoor Environment Review. He co-authored the foundational text Managing Indoor Air Quality and contributed to the AEE course Fundamentals and Core Skills of Indoor Air Quality.
Industry Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his illustrious career, Burroughs has held memberships and committee positions in various professional organizations, including the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA). His contributions to the industry have been widely recognized, most notably with NAFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
A graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, Burroughs was honored with the prestigious 50-Year Community Leader Award from his alma mater. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continues to influence the field of IAQ and indoor environmental quality.
H.E. Barney Burroughs’ enduring impact on air quality standards and his commitment to improving the built environment has left a lasting legacy in the field. As a pioneer in IAQ and a dedicated leader, he has shaped policies, standards, and practices that benefit public health and the environment alike.
