Why Negative Air Pressure Is the Secret Hero of Dust Containment (It’s Science!)

Rewind to the early days of Proflex — I remember Mike explaining that our containment barriers are designed to keep dirt and debris exactly where they belong: inside the workspace.

Now, I’m a “trust but verify” kinda gal. And exactly sounds so definitive. So I asked, “That’s great, but how do we KNOW that dirt and dust can’t escape?”

Mike’s answer? A confident grin and two simple words:

“It’s science.”

And it really is! Ever opened a door and felt that little whoosh of air? That’s air pressure trying to equalize. Air always moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

On an active job site—especially those that must meet ICRA 2.0 Class IV & V standards—this principle is key. By maintaining negative air pressure inside the containment area (meaning the air pressure is slightly lower inside than outside), air can only flow in, never out.

That’s how we make sure dust, debris, and contaminants stay safely contained where they belong.

So next time someone asks how our barriers work, you can tell them:

“It’s science—and a little help from Proflex.”

🎥 Check out our short video to see how negative air pressure keeps dust in its place. Feel free to share it with your team or customers—it’s a quick, fun science lesson. 🧪

Why negative air pressure is the secret hero of dust containment (It's Science!)