Air Purification Updates From Around The Country

We’re a part of something bigger. Across the country, businesses and schools are realizing just how important air purification is in the fight to reopen the nation safely. Here are a few of those stories. In the South, the summer heat has driven people indoors. We’ve known for months that outdated HVAC systems can cycle particles of COVID-19 through a space, and there’s ample evidence that indoor activity contributes greatly to the spread of the virus. That’s a major concern for schools with plans to offer in-person instruction in just a few weeks, especially in coronavirus hotspots like Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The schools of Hillsborough County in hard-hit Florida have improved air circulation and filters in place whenever students return to the classroom. School officials there are taking a long look at every element of air purification, including creating comprehensive studies of the best tools to ensure safe health. It’s an investment in a safe restart, but also improves the standards of schools for decades to come with proper maintenance and updates as technology improves. Here in Michigan, Wayne State University announced a robust program of air quality monitoring as it looks to bring scholars back to campus. Like Hillsborough, they’re going beyond just opening windows. Their plan includes air purges, updated filters, constant monitoring, and changes to buildings’ recycled air systems. They’ve also stepped up normal HVAC cleaning and maintenance to meet new COVID-19 guidelines. In hard-hit New York City, a teacher’s union has asked for an in-depth investigation of the district’s school ventilation systems and standards. New York City is one of just a few of urban centers that have announced plans for in-person learning this fall, with cities like Los Angeles and Chicago opting to keep kids at home. The decision in NYC has prompted thousands of teachers to voice their concerns and learn more about the risks of returning to the classroom. The investigation has already found 30 ‘red flag’ school buildings with outdated and poor ventilation. There’s every sign that this is just the tip of the iceberg; less than half of NYC’s 1,400 school buildings have heating and cooling systems that offer clean, safe air. We’ve already worked with schools from TCAPS and GTACS in our home town of Traverse City, Michigan, but we’re specifically concerned about schools. If you know of a school district in need, please contact us today.