Student and staff attendance rates have been showing disturbing trends across the Commonwealth.  Additionally, K-12 test scores have declined.  A leading culprit of this expensive attendance and performance issue is the presence of airborne pathogens and indoor air pollution.

FACT: We drink 2-3 L of filtered, cleaned water per day, yet we breathe 11,000 L of air that is neither filtered nor cleaned.* 

Breathing in dirty air while at school for up to 8 hours a day is having deleterious effects on health and school performance. The small aerosols of pollution and pathogens can build up quickly in the air inside a room that is not properly ventilated and filtered. LUCKILY, THERE IS A SOLUTION: CLEANING THE AIR!

It’s easier than you’d think!  By using pre-existing infrastructure and making needed adjustments, not only will our students and staff enjoy better health, but our already-strong schools will grow even more competitive.

By adopting the simple measures such as using HEPA filtration, CO2 Monitoring, increasing levels of fresh air in classrooms and the use of Far-UV, the following benefits can be seen:

• Decreased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in classrooms contribute to better cognitive ability and educational outcomes.

• Improved educational performance, including higher test scores.

• Higher levels of attendance by students, school staff and parents at their respective places of employment.

• Significant cost savings in HVAC, building maintenance, substitute teacher pay, sick leave, healthcare, etc.

• Better continuity and stability of curriculum due to consistent attendance.

• Improved access to targeted educational interventions and special education services for students.

• Less reliance on hospital systems, relieving strain on healthcare systems.

• Consistent access to social services for children and families at risk.

• Better mental health, stemming from consistent attendance and good physical health.

Decreased educational and health equity disparities by equalizing the varying levels of indoor air quality correlated with lower income levels and by race.

Improved health outcomes: 

• Fewer newly-diagnosed asthma cases. 

• Existing asthma cases not exacerbated by continued exposure to poor indoor air quality.

• Less exposure to environmental toxins, including those used in disinfection products.

• Fewer cases and outbreaks of RSV, Rhinoviruses, Norovirus, Influenza, Covid, bacterial infections and other respiratory pathogens as well as protection from future pandemics.

• Fewer cases of post-viral sequelae, which can include neurological deficits, vulnerability to illness, and increased severity of infections.

• Less money spent on substitute and per diem teachers due to teacher absences.

• Lower healthcare costs associated with medications and visits to healthcare facilities due to new and chronic cases of asthma, allergies, and respiratory pathogens.

• Fewer sick days used by staff and parents, facilitating higher levels of participation in and contributions to local and state economies.

• Fewer newly-disabled staff from repeat exposure to poor indoor air quality and therefore less dependence on disability and other social service benefits.

• Retention of disabled or high-risk staff members.

• Less exposure to poor indoor air quality by disabled and high-risk students and their caregivers.

• Less staff turnover and therefore less budgetary Human Resource expenditures.

• Far-UV/UVG disinfection costs less than chemical disinfection, both in materials and labor.