The evolution of contamination control

In celebration of CleanRooms magazine`s 10-year anniversary, we`ve compiled a history of events in contamination control.

Readers and industry experts contributed data for a timeline, and we`ve chosen events that helped shaped the industry. As our timeline traces the history of cleanrooms, our editors examine five specific technologies to further explore the last 10 years in the evolution of contamination control technology.

We discuss important trends, technologies and events in the air handling, architecture/construction, consumable, garments and services segments of the contamination control field. Within the scope of these five divisions of contamination control we look at filtration, cleanroom construction, training, garments and supplies, and we also explore the next decade in our industry.

Meanwhile, our timeline begins on a historic date: 1957. As the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik, so began the space race. These events led to Sandia National Laboratories developing the first modern cleanroom. And, the rest is history.

1957

Sputnik launched. The space race begins.

1960

A team of scientists, led by Willis Whitfield (pictured above), at Sandia Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM), develop the laminar flow concept.

1961

The Air Force publishes the first technical order for building and operating a cleanroom.

The American Association for Contamination Control (AACC) is formed.

1962

Sandia presents its cleanroom concept to the Institute of Environmental Sciences in Chicago.

NASA calls for establishing cleanrooms for the space program.

Contamination Control magazine is the first publication dedicated to contamination control.

1963

The first Federal Standard 209!

Liberty`s John J. Nappi Sr. is granted a patent for the Tacky Mat shoe sole cleaner (right).

1965

NASA begins researching laminar flow systems for biological control in the unmanned Planetary Quarantine Program.

1966

Federal Standard 209A.

The first laminar flow hospital operating room installed at Bhataan Memorial Hospital in Albuquerque.

1969

Apollo 11 astronauts are sequestered in a HEPA-filtered Airstream trailer after returning from the moon.

1972

The AACC merges with the Institute of Environmental Sciences.

1973

Federal Standard 209B.

1987

CleanRooms magazine launched.

Federal Standard 209C.

FDA establishes

Aseptic Guidelines.

1988

Federal Standard 209D.

1990

First CleanRooms conference and exposition.

1992

Federal Standard 209E.

1995

Draft revision of USP <1116> Microbiological Evaluation of Cleanrooms and other Controlled Environments, a significant document for microbial control issues in cleanrooms used for aseptic operation.

1997

CleanRooms magazine celebrates 10th year.

CleanRooms International launched.

CleanRooms Asia conference and exposition launched.

1998

CleanRooms Europe conference and exhibition debuts in Frankfurt.