We have received several questions from community members about the District’s ventilation strategy and what has been done since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. See information below, plus some additional resources at the bottom of the page for further reference.
What indoor air quality protocols are currently in place due to COVID?
Key features of MUFSD’s air quality strategy implemented in summer, 2020 in response to COVID-19 transmission concerns include:
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In areas of the building that have air conditioning, keeping humidity between 40% - 60% as recommended to minimize the transmission of COVID-19
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Running our 500 iWave air purifying devices, which were installed in our HVAC systems. These sophisticated iWave units use a patented technology called needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NPBI) to help remove any pathogens in the air and on surfaces in our facilities. In addition to neutralizing viruses, these units come with the added benefit of cleaning the air of bacteria, mold, allergens, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc., creating a healthier environment without producing any harmful byproducts. The ionization process also causes particulates in the air to agglomerate causing small particles that would normally pass through a MERV-8 filter to cluster and form larger particles that now get captured by the MERV-8 filters.
How did the District decide to proceed with its current ventilation plan?
The District air quality team (consisting of Director of Facilities Steve Brugge, Asst. Superintendent for Business Sylvia Wallach and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shaps) relies on our architectural and engineering firm LAN Associates to provide recommendations for managing and improving indoor air quality. LAN complies with industry standards for schools and recommendations from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The District and LAN also consulted with the New York State Dept. of Education regarding the installation of NPBI systems.
How does the NPBI (500 iWave) Technology Work with the MERV-8 systems?
MUFSD purchased and installed NPBI air purifiers to work with the existing MERV 8 air filters in systems common to all of the district’s HVAC units. LAN Associates cites NBPI in a recent letter as producing “proven results in eliminating odors, reducing pathogens, and providing better indoor air quality.” LAN and other air quality experts that the District consulted agree that the use of NBPI alongside the MERV-8 filters creates an air quality environment near MERV-13 levels; this is because the ionization process combines airborne particles and pathogens at similar rates to MERV-13 levels.
Which other institutions use NPBI technology?
NPBI technology is used by Boston Children’s Hospital, Google, the White House, the Mayo Clinic, Duke Medical, and a host of other colleges/universities including Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, and Harvard among many other well-known institutions. More locally, the New Rochelle School District utilizes NPBI.
Can the District Install MERV-13 or HEPA Filters in its Current Systems?
Most, if not all, of our current systems across all six schools have the HVAC capacity designed for MERV-8 filters. Our air quality team of professionals does not recommend installing MERV-13 or HEPA filters in our current systems, as the units are not designed to handle this level of filter. In fact , MERV-13 or HEPA filters would harm our mechanical systems and significantly reduce air flow by pushing lower amounts of fresh air into classrooms. Other concerns include the inability of the HEPA filters to operate effectively given the square footage of various indoor spaces, the significant noise of the units, and the space occupied by the units in the classroom.
Additional Resources/Further Background
WEBINAR - ASHRAE: COVID-19 and Solutions for Improving Indoor Air Quality - YouTube
ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Recommendations
“GPS’s Unique Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization Technology Is Safe and Effective”
GPS: Case Studies of Real-World Testing Results
(Studies provide before and after air quality measures demonstrating how the ionization process captures airborne materials.)