Pure Air Control Services Helps Schools Develop K-12 IAQ Strategies To Enhance Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The COVID-19 pandemic closed K-12 schools across the United States of America (USA). Students and teachers, as well as parents, had to adapt to remote learning. Educators did the best they could with the resources available, but there is no substitute for in-person learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, however, schools have reopened. Some schools enforce social distancing and mask-wearing mandates. They have also increased cleaning and disinfecting efforts, and are making improvements to ventilation systems.

Developing K-12 IAQ strategies

Pure Air Control Services helps schools develop K-12 IAQ strategies to address these issues and improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The result is a reduced risk of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus in schools.

School closures present many problems for students. Not only did students fall behind, when schools switched to remote settings, but anxiety and depression rates increased too among students. It may be years, before understanding the total impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on learning.

The American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan includes almost US$ 130 billion for US states and school districts to reopen safely

The American Rescue Plan, signed by US President, Joe Biden, in 2021, includes almost US$ 130 billion for US states and school districts to reopen safely. This federal funding, along with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gives administrators the ability to access resources, in order to address and make improvements to indoor air quality (IAQ).

This is an opportunity for building engineers and facilities managers to evaluate their HVAC systems and use the funds to make upgrades, repairs, or replace aging systems.

Certified Pure Air Indoor Environment program

The Certified Pure Air Indoor Environment program improves and maintains building health, so children can learn in a safe environment. The program is based on the six pillars of building health, which optimizes ventilation and improves airflow for healthier Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

The program includes the following:

• Test Baseline IAQ

Pure Air Control Services conduct baseline environmental and HVAC testing that includes testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19 virus). As a part of their HVAC Hygiene Assessment, they inspect the air handling unit (AHU), evaporator coils, blower, ductwork, and drain pan. They analyze collected samples in the company’s EDLab, in order to determine what pathogens exist and in what quantities.

• Clean and Restore HVAC Systems

The next step is cleaning with the PURE-Steam HVAC method. The company uses high-temperature steam to kill viruses and other pathogens. Next, they restore HVAC units, using the HVAC New Life. This process is an application of an antimicrobial paint that restores the system to like-new condition.

• Reduce Particles

The next step in Pure Air Control Services’ K-12 IAQ strategies is their PURE-Duct cleaning method, which goes deep inside HVAC ductwork to knock out dirt and debris. Once loose, particles get removed with an industrial-strength vacuum system with a HEPA filter.

• Neutralize Pathogens

The PURE-Decon building disinfection system uses EPA-registered Disinfectants for Emerging Pathogens (DEP), to neutralize pathogens, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as mold and bacteria. It gets to areas, where typical cleaners cannot reach.

• Clean the Air

Pure Air Control Services use air cleaning machines, featuring EnviroSmart detection technology, to improve the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). These devices use sensors to respond to room conditions, then adjust their performance, according to factors, such as occupancy and motion. They also remove allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and remove odors. For smaller offices and classrooms, air purifiers help maintain healthy indoor air.

• Monitoring K-12 IAQ Strategies

Of course, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is only as safe as current levels. That means indoor conditions require 24/7 tracking, so as to prevent issues from developing. Pure Air Control Services’ IAQ Guard system uses sensors placed within the building, in order to observe conditions, such as relative humidity and temperatures, as well as levels of VOCs, CO2, and other gasses.

Create healthy classrooms with the K-12 IAQ Strategies

Of course, any K-12 strategies only work, if implemented. Therefore, school districts that take advantage of the federal funds available, to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), will get better results. A safer and healthier indoor environment keeps children in classrooms learning in-person a safe experience.

Making those investments now yields big dividends in their continuing education. In conclusion, Pure Air Control Services’ six pillars of building health help schools implement their K-12 IAQ strategies, in order to create healthy learning opportunities.