unnamed-1

Rethinking ASHRAE 241: Should Emergency Air Standards Become the New Normal?

by Insights

In recent research on ASHRAE 241, we came across a thought-provoking article titled “Pandemic-Proofing Our Air: How Standard 241 Makes Indoor Air Safer” (Occupational Health & Safety, 2024). While much of the discussion around ASHRAE 241 focuses on emergency preparedness, it raised an intriguing question: What if these enhanced air quality standards became the daily norm rather than just an emergency response?

Beyond Emergency Preparedness

ASHRAE 241 was designed to help buildings operate safely during pandemic-type events. However, consider this: If a school building were to maintain these elevated air quality standards year-round, wouldn’t this significantly reduce the daily risk of illness transmission among students? The potential benefits for student health and attendance could be substantial.

Addressing the Practical Challenges

The immediate concerns that arise are operational costs and disruption to normal building functions. Traditionally, achieving higher air quality standards meant either:

  • Increasing outside air intake
  • Reducing occupancy levels

Neither option is particularly appealing for everyday operations. However, ASHRAE 241 introduces an innovative solution: the concept of “equivalent clean air.” This approach allows facilities to use air cleaning devices instead of relying solely on increased ventilation or reduced occupancy.

Making It Work: Modern Solutions

Thanks to advances in air purification technology, implementing emergency-level air quality standards full-time is becoming increasingly feasible. The standardized testing protocols outlined in ASHRAE 241 provide the framework for evaluating these solutions. For instance, the CASPR Medik X demonstrates impressive capabilities:

  • Reduces MS2 virus by 70-80% within 4-12 minutes
  • Enables buildings to maintain minimal pathogen transmission rates
  • Operates on just 30-60 watts per unit

A New Paradigm for Building Design

As we design new buildings and retrofit existing ones, perhaps it’s time to shift our perspective. Instead of viewing enhanced air quality as an emergency measure, we should consider making it the default standard. The question becomes not just about meeting minimum requirements, but about optimizing for occupant health and well-being every day. The technology exists. The standards are in place. The only remaining question is: Shouldn’t we be designing all our buildings to operate at the lowest possible transmission rate as a matter of course?

For more details on ASHRAE 241 testing protocols, see our previous blog post [ASHRAE 241: Understanding the Standardized Testing Protocol].

 

unnamed-1

CASPR Technologies to Launch New Residential Product Line at 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference

by News

CASPR Technologies to Launch New Residential Product Line at 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference

Company’s Chief Medical Consultant to Present Groundbreaking Paper on Indoor Air Quality Standards

Orlando, FL – (Jan. 16, 2025) – CASPR Technologies, a leader in continuous air and surface disinfection technology, is excited to announce its breakthrough advances in science and air cleaning technology for the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo this February in Orlando, Florida.

At the ASHRAE Winter Conference, CASPR’s Chief Medical Consultant, Dr. Margaret Scarlett, and EVP of Operations & Engineering, Brett Duffy, will present their groundbreaking paper, “Assessing Indoor Air Quality in a Comparative Study Among ASHRAE Ventilation Standards Compared to a Control with a Continuous Active In-Room Air Cleaning Device.”

Presentation Details:

  • Date: February 9, 2025
  • Time: 2:50 PM during Paper Session 10, 1:30-3:15 pm, Presentation 5
  • Location: ASHRAE Winter Conference, Hilton Orlando, LL, Orange F, Orlando, FL.

CASPR will also showcase its innovative solutions at the AHR Expo from February 10-12, located just next door to the ASHRAE event at the Orange County Convention Center, West Building, 9800 International Dr., Orlando, Florida. Visitors to the CASPR booth, #9042, will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the launch of their latest product line, the CASPR Home PRO Elite. CASPR’s technologies are designed to bring advanced air purification and surface disinfection, customized for both residential and commercial indoor spaces.

“We are thrilled to unveil the CASPR Home PRO Elite, which represents a new frontier in home air and surface disinfection. Our technology is designed to provide families with cleaner, healthier indoor environments,” said Brett Duffy, EVP of Operations & Engineering at CASPR Technologies. “Engineering company representatives, architects, and building engineers that plan on attending the ASHRAE or AHR meetings are encouraged to set a convenient time for us to meet to review your needs for providing next-generation indoor air quality in new and renovated spaces.”  

Attendees are encouraged to visit CASPR at the AHR Expo, Booth 9042, to experience how CASPR’s continuous disinfection technology revolutionizes the industry.

For more information about CASPR Technologies, our presentation at ASHRAE, or our booth at the AHR Expo, visit https://casprtech.com/ahr/

About CASPR Technologies:
CASPR Technologies is dedicated to improving indoor environments by providing innovative air and surface disinfection solutions. Using our patented continuous disinfection technology, CASPR reduces pathogens in real-time, ensuring cleaner, healthier spaces for homes, businesses, and healthcare facilities worldwide.

About the Presenters:

Dr. Margaret Scarlett – https://events.rdmobile.com/Speakers/Details/2613702

Brett Duffy – https://events.rdmobile.com/Sessions/Details/2613669

Stay connected with CASPR Technologies:
www.casprtech.com

Info@casprtech.com

844-717-8819

Indoor-air-Quality-sensors-for-commercial-buildings-2

Leveraging Smart Sensors for Better Indoor Air Quality: A Facility Manager’s Guide

by Insights

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a critical focus for facility managers and engineers, as it directly impacts occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Smart sensor technology is revolutionizing this effort by providing real-time data on air pollutants, humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation performance. Let’s explore how these powerful technologies can transform your facility’s air quality management strategy, ensuring a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for everyone.

The Power of Real-Time Monitoring

Modern IAQ sensors act as your building’s environmental watchdogs, continuously monitoring key indicators including:

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels
  • Temperature and relative humidity

 

What makes these sensors particularly valuable is their ability to provide real-time data, enabling immediate responses to changing conditions. When integrated with your building automation system (BAS), this creates a dynamic, responsive environment that automatically adjusts to maintain optimal air quality.

Smart Automation in Action

Consider this scenario: A conference room designed for 20 people suddenly hosts 40 for an all-hands meeting. Without smart sensors, the rising CO2 levels could go unnoticed. However, with an integrated sensor system, the BAS automatically detects the elevation in CO2 and increases outdoor air ventilation to maintain a healthy environment.

Similarly, during external air quality challenges like wildfires, these sensors can trigger your BAS to minimize outdoor air intake, protecting occupants from harmful particulates. This intelligent response system works continuously, requiring no manual intervention.

Solutions for Every Facility

Don’t have a modern BAS? No problem. Even in older facilities, standalone sensors can provide invaluable alerts to your maintenance team, enabling manual adjustments to maintain healthy indoor air. This flexibility makes IAQ sensors a worthwhile investment for facilities of all ages and technological capabilities.

Monitoring Electronic Air Cleaning Devices

The role of sensors becomes even more crucial when facilities employ electronic air cleaning technologies such as ionization or photo-catalytic oxidation systems. These sensors serve a dual purpose:

  1. Monitoring device effectiveness
  2. Ensuring safety by detecting potentially harmful byproducts like ozone

For facilities using ozone-based purification systems, continuous monitoring is particularly critical to ensure that any ozone is properly filtered before air returns to occupied spaces.

Safety Standards and Certification

While sensors provide valuable monitoring capabilities, it’s worth noting that many modern air cleaning devices now meet stringent safety standards:

  • CARB certification
  • UL2998 standards for ozone emissions
  • ASHRAE 241-2023 safety testing protocols

These certifications can provide additional peace of mind, though many facilities still opt for sensor monitoring as part of a comprehensive air quality management strategy.

Conclusion

Implementing IAQ sensors is more than just installing monitoring devices – it’s about creating a responsive, healthy indoor environment. Whether your facility is state-of-the-art or more traditional, these tools can significantly enhance your air quality management capabilities and help ensure occupant well-being.

 

Efficacy and Safety air quality

Efficacy and Safety: Critical Partners in Disinfection Technology

by Insights
When selecting disinfection methods for mechanical systems, both efficacy and safety demand equal attention. While many focus primarily on a system’s ability to eliminate pathogens, the safety implications of these technologies can make or break their real-world viability. The ASHRAE 241 standard addresses this crucial balance by providing comprehensive testing protocols for both effectiveness and safety of disinfection systems.

Understanding Safety Requirements Under ASHRAE 241

Ozone Production Control

Electronic air cleaners frequently generate ozone as a byproduct, which poses significant respiratory risks in occupied spaces. Despite its historical use as a disinfectant, ozone is now recognized as hazardous in inhabited areas. ASHRAE 241 mandates compliance with the UL2998 standard, limiting ozone production to 0.005 ppm or less during UL testing procedures. Some facilities may alternatively adopt the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standard of 0.05 ppm for occupied spaces. Both standards utilize UL867 Section 40 testing methodology, measuring ozone levels 2 inches from potential emission sources. It’s important to note that ozone concentrations decrease significantly with distance – readings taken 2-3 feet away in a duct will show markedly lower levels due to rapid dissipation.

Secondary Reaction Prevention

A critical concern with electronic air cleaners is the potential formation of harmful byproducts during the disinfection process. Technologies that effectively eliminate pathogens might simultaneously create more dangerous compounds. ASHRAE 241 addresses this risk through chamber testing that measures formaldehyde production following limonene injection.

Particulate Generation

Indoor air quality depends heavily on particulate control. ASHRAE 241 requires verification that disinfection technologies do not generate additional particulate matter during operation – a crucial consideration for maintaining clean air environments.

Acoustic Considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us an unexpected lesson about safety compliance: noise levels matter. When disinfection devices generate excessive noise, occupants often disable them, negating their protective benefits. Many portable units deployed during the pandemic were ultimately abandoned due to their disruptive noise levels. ASHRAE 241 recognizes acoustic performance as a key factor in sustained operational effectiveness.

Unified Testing Protocol

A distinctive strength of ASHRAE 241 lies in its integrated testing approach. Safety and efficacy testing must be conducted on the same device in the same chamber, preventing manufacturers from using different variants to achieve separate safety and efficacy certifications. This unified protocol ensures that performance claims reflect real-world operation.

Making Informed Selections

For mechanical engineers, choosing disinfection technologies tested to ASHRAE 241 standards represents an investment in comprehensive protection. These systems are designed to: – Minimize exposure to hazardous substances – Maintain compliance with rigorous safety protocols – Ensure long-term operational sustainability While alternative disinfection methods may demonstrate effectiveness in isolated metrics, ASHRAE 241-certified technologies offer validated performance across both safety and efficacy parameters. This comprehensive validation makes them particularly suitable for critical environments where reliability and safety cannot be compromised.

Register to receive emails for future blogs.

CDC cleaner air

CDC Guidelines: The Importance of Air Exchange for Health Safety

by Insights

Understanding the CDC’s Role

As America’s frontline defense in public health protection, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the nations’s leading public health institution. T he CDC’s mission encompasses everything from disease prevention to public health guidance. Their expertise spans multiple areas, including:

  • Monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks both domestically and globally
  • Conducting cutting-edge scientific research on health hazards and diseases
  • Providing evidence-based recommendations to healthcare providers and the public
  • Developing programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent illness
  • Collecting and analyzing crucial health data to inform policy decisions

The CDC’s Stance on Air Quality

Among their many public health recommendations, the CDC places significant emphasis on air quality management, particularly in preventing respiratory illness transmission. Their guidance centers on one crucial metric: air exchanges per hour (ACH).

The 5 ACH Minimum Standard

The CDC recommends maintaining a minimum of five air exchanges per hour (5 ACH) in occupied spaces. But what does this mean for you?

If you’re a homeowner, the CDC suggests a simple yet effective strategy: switch your thermostat fan setting from “auto” to “on.” This small change ensures continuous air circulation, even when your heating or cooling system isn’t actively running. Additionally:

  • Regular filter replacement is essential for maintaining optimal air quality
  • Proper maintenance of your HVAC system helps ensure efficient air exchange
  • Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters when possible

The Role of Outside Air

Both residential and commercial spaces benefit from proper ventilation with outside air. This serves two critical functions:

  1. Providing necessary oxygen for occupants
  2. Diluting indoor air contaminants

Advanced Air Treatment Options

While proper ventilation is fundamental, the CDC acknowledges that additional air treatment technologies can enhance indoor air quality:

  • Ultraviolet Technology: The CDC specifically mentions UV treatment as a passive air quality improvement method
  • Advanced Active Technologies: Beyond UV, newer technologies can actively target airborne pathogens and surface contaminants
  • Filtration Systems: High-efficiency filtration can significantly reduce airborne particles

Conclusion

Following the CDC’s recommendations for air exchange rates and ventilation will  significantly impact indoor air quality and help reduce disease transmission. Whether in homes or commercial buildings, maintaining proper air circulation through both mechanical systems and natural ventilation plays a crucial role in creating healthier indoor environments.

By implementing these guidelines and considering advanced air treatment options, building owners and managers can create safer, healthier spaces for occupants while aligning with CDC recommendations for disease prevention.

To learn more, visit the CDC website articles here:

https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html#:~:text=Aim%20for%205%20or%20more,ACH%20to%20your%20existing%20ventilation

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ventilation/about/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprevent-getting-sick%2Fimproving-ventilation-in-buildings.html

 

Register to receive emails for future blogs.

ASHRAE Standard 241P, Control of Infectious Aerosols

ASHRAE 241: Understanding the Standardized Testing Protocol

by Insights

The introduction of ASHRAE 241 marks a significant advancement in how we evaluate indoor air cleaning technologies. While our previous post provided a comprehensive overview of the standard, we’ll dive deep into its groundbreaking testing protocol and why it matters for facility managers, building owners, and indoor air quality professionals.

The Problem with Traditional Testing Methods

Historically, manufacturers have tested air cleaning devices in surprisingly small chambers—often no larger than one cubic meter, essentially the size of a shoebox. This approach has led to a critical disconnect between laboratory results and real-world performance. Consider this: you could theoretically show significant pathogen reduction in such a tiny chamber using something as simple as a cigarette lighter—clearly, not a practical or valid solution for indoor air quality management!

ASHRAE 241’s Revolutionary Approach

The new standard addresses these limitations by mandating a testing chamber of 800 ft³ (22.7 m³), approximately the size of a typical office space. This dramatic increase in testing volume creates conditions that much more closely mirror real-world applications, providing more reliable and practical performance data.

Why MS2 Matters

A key component of the protocol is the use of MS2 bacteriophage as the test pathogen. This choice is significant for several reasons:

  1. Superior Challenge: MS2 is a non-enveloped virus, making it more difficult to eliminate than many common pathogens, including:

   – Enveloped viruses (like SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1)

   – Bacteria

   – Fungi

  1. Safety and Practicality: While MS2 is harder to kill, it’s less contagious than viruses like SARS-CoV-2 or H1N1, making it safer for laboratory testing while still providing a rigorous effectiveness benchmark.
  2. Hierarchical Validation: Success in eliminating MS2 effectively demonstrates the capability against easier-to-kill pathogens, providing a comprehensive validation of air cleaning effectiveness.

Impact on the Industry

This standardized testing protocol represents a significant step forward for the indoor air quality industry. For the first time, buyers can make purchasing decisions based on comparable, real-world-relevant performance data. This transparency and standardization help ensure that investments in air cleaning technology deliver the expected results in actual building environments.

The ASHRAE 241 protocol isn’t just about testing—it’s about trust. By establishing these rigorous, standardized testing conditions, the industry now has a clear benchmark for evaluating air cleaning technologies, ultimately benefiting everyone who breathes indoor air.

This blog is a part of a series highlighting the details of 241, so make sure to check out the rest of the series. You can also visit – https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ashrae-standard-241-control-of-infectious-aerosols – to learn more and purchase the full standard.

 

Register to receive emails for future blogs.

CDC, HTTPS://WWW.CDC.GOV/ONE-HEALTH/ABOUT/INDEX.HTML

CASPR: A One Health Approach to Fighting Pathogens

by Blog

CASPR, a One Health approach to combat any emerging pathogens indoors

In the US, One Health is an interdisciplinary approach to health usually focused in local and state public health departments, that encompasses a broad array of sectors, including public health, agriculture, animal and meat production, and environmental experts.  The goal is to improve and encourage practices to improve health outcomes and reduce the threat of new, unknown pathogens, while containing exposure to the known pathogens. (1) CASPR technologies offers a comprehensive approach to improving health in our connected world by making indoor air safer, preventing spread of any new pathogen that emerges, as well as existing pathogens.  Simply, CASPR is a prevention component for indoor buildings and facilities through a One Health lens.

We know that antibiotics are highly effective, with an estimated 5.7 million people (about twice the population of Arkansas) dying annually from treatable infections because effective antibiotics are not available to them.  The problem is that antibiotics are overused, when they are improperly or inappropriately prescribed, and create antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in which antibiotics are not effective.  About a quarter of all antibiotic prescriptions in the US are unnecessary.  In addition, taking antibiotics for only a few days, or taking lower quality or the wrong antibiotics can have serious health consequences for the person and can create a path for drug-resistant organisms.

Outside of the US, lack of access to any antibiotic is a bigger problem in producing AMR.  AMR is a global hitchhiker that does not recognize the borders of human, animal, and plant vulnerability.  The astronomical cost of developing new antibiotics to keep pace with new mutations created with AMR is estimated to be about $1 billion (about $3.1 per person in the US) to develop 10 to 15 years to get through proper safety and efficacy testing to be marketed.  Everyone is at risk from AMR, so preventing AMR by reducing indoor pathogens with a continuously active indoor room air cleaner is the best prevention from spreading pathogens indoors, known, and unknown.

In particular, improper use of antibiotics for humans that are given to animals accounts for AMR. It should be noted that more than 70% of new infectious diseases are zoonotic—that is a pathogen “jumps” from animals to humans, sometimes after mutations.  Currently, many are keeping up to date on the latest news regarding Avian Flu (H5N1).  Avian Flu has been recently detected in pigs, who happen to be closer to human genetics capable of spreading new respiratory pathogens than cattle or poultry.  It is crucial to watch this in the coming weeks. 

Without proper facility air and surface controls in animal and meat products, animal products can become contaminated and can spread resistant bacteria by food contamination.  This can occur either by improper processing or cooking of animal products, or from fertilizer spraying of agricultural crops containing animal or human manure with resistant pathogens.  While some producers still use human antibiotics in animals to promote growth, or in feed, these practices can result in the production of resistant organisms, and results in AMR.  Therefore, AMR efforts within One Health should include livestock workers, farmers, and veterinarians, and a re-examination of pathogen reduction in air and surfaces, beyond intermittent surface cleaning or two-week fallow periods.

Evidence exists that antibiotic stewardship—a crucial One Health effort that ensures antimicrobials are used appropriately, only when necessary— reduces antibiotic consumption, slows drug resistance, and can be done without sacrificing patient and animal care.  In a multicountry study, a 7-day course of antibiotics to humans can be equally effective against bloodstream infections as a 14-day regimen, and less likely to create resistant organisms. (2)

Reduction of risk from respiratory pathogens indoors is another key goal of One Health. Respiratory pathogens, like avian flu, seasonal influenza, colds, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are spread through the air. Measles is particularly efficient at spreading indoors, with a 90% risk of transmission to unvaccinated individuals.

While we all want to forget the years of confusion about the COVID-19 pandemic, some key lessons can be learned from the height of the pandemic.  Infectious respiratory particles (IRPs) spread infection quickly from human to human, after “jumping” species from animals to humans.  Now, COVID-19 is still with us, mutating, and is still circulating, with its newest variants.  We are getting ready to hit prime seasonal influenza season, with a looming watch on avian flu, and other respiratory pathogens, like RSV, Simply, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us we need to be prepared and prevent infections indoors.  

So how do you prepare and prevent infections indoors?  We do not know who may be infected with pathogens inside the buildings where we work, play and live.  People could be recently infected but asymptomatic, releasing IRPS continuously, and needing a continuous cleaning process to match the continuous release of those pathogens.  A crucial One Health effort for antimicrobial stewardship promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics to humans, only when necessary, and this slows drug resistance, while assuring healthy outcomes of patients.  Preventing spread indoors with CASPR prevents the spread of AMRs, too, consistent with One Health concepts.

AMR is an important One Health effort because of the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, now and in the future.  In 2021, 4.71 global deaths were attributed to drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, directly responsible for 1.14 million deaths. (2, See also FIGURE 1, Reference 3) And this is expected to continue, with about a 70% increase in the number of annual deaths directly attributable to AMR by 2050, reaching 1.91 million in 2050.  Within the next 25 years, more than 39 million people (about twice the population of New York) are predicted to die from antibiotic-resistant infections over the next 25 years. (2)

Figure 1, Reference 3

This is why continuously reducing IRPs in the air and on surfaces will help to reduce whatever pathogens emerge, as well as existing pathogens.  In addition to antibiotic controls, facility control measures for continuous removal of indoor pathogens are a One Health approach, with CASPR’s continuously active indoor air cleaning.    

CASPR is a One Health Strategy in Preventing Spread of AMR Pathogens

In September 2024, a global AMR conference was held.  Just a few minutes before the start of this meeting,  the prime minister from Barbados stated, “Imagine what happens if you get an infection from going into the garden or having a baby or going to the dentist…These are things that can bring your life to an end within 48 to 72 hours if the particular antibiotics that you’re using [are] not effective.”  It seems like prevention of these AMR outbreaks with CASPR, a continuously active indoor air cleaner, is the continuous vigilance needed, consistent with a One Health approach to protection of humans, animals, plants, and the environment.    

 

 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. One Health. Accessed 11/24/2024 at About One Health | One Health | CDC
  2. American Medical Association, Medical News & Perspectives ed. Kate Schweitze Associate Managing Editor: UN Meeting Highlights Antimicrobial Resistance “Epiphany”—Lack of Antibiotic Access Is a Key Driver. Published Online: November 8, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.21
  3. GBD 2021 Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators, Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. Lancet, 2024; 404: 1199–22.

 

Absences-feat

Combating Student Absenteeism Through Advanced Disinfection Strategies

by Insights

Combating Student Absenteeism Through Advanced Disinfection Strategies

In an era where educational outcomes are critically linked to student attendance, school districts are increasingly recognizing the powerful connection between robust disinfection protocols and reduced absenteeism. This makes implementing effective disinfection strategies not just a health priority, but an academic and financial imperative. The stakes are high: funding depends on attendance, and research consistently demonstrates that consistent classroom participation directly correlates with academic success.

The Limitations of Traditional Cleaning Methods

Traditional school disinfection approaches often fall short of comprehensive protection:

  • Periodic surface cleaning by janitorial staff provides only intermittent protection
  • HVAC filtration systems are passive, requiring pathogens to already be circulating before removal
  • Manual cleaning methods cannot consistently address rapidly spreading microorganisms

Proactive Disinfection: A Game-Changing Approach

Advanced disinfection technologies represent a paradigm shift in school health management. Proactive solutions that introduce airborne oxidizers offer multiple critical advantages:

  • Continuous surface disinfection, even when spaces are unoccupied
  • Immediate pathogen neutralization in both air and on surfaces
  • Reduced transmission risk for students, teachers, and staff
  • Prevention of microorganism buildup between cleaning cycles

Real-World Impact: A Case Study

A school system in Georgia provides compelling evidence of these advanced strategies’ effectiveness. After implementing a comprehensive airborne disinfection system in early 2023, they documented remarkable improvements:

The Broader Implications

These results reveal a critical insight: investment in sophisticated disinfection technologies is not just about preventing illness—it’s about creating an environment that maximizes educational opportunities and student potential.

By embracing innovative approaches to school hygiene, districts can simultaneously address health challenges, improve attendance, and enhance overall educational outcomes.

https://www.fox21news.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/649852483/meriwether-county-school-system-installs-caspr-technology-to-disinfect-air-and-surfaces-in-district-schools/

https://www.utep.edu/education/cerps/_files/docs/briefs/cerps_policybrief5_attendance.pdf

Meriwether Cover Banner (3)

Meriwether School District’s Journey to Reducing Absenteeism with CASPR Technologies

by Blog

In a proactive move to prioritize student and staff safety, the Meriwether County School System in Georgia embarked on a journey to enhance disinfection protocols and reduce absenteeism ahead of the new school year. This initiative involved the installation of cutting-edge disinfection technology units from CASPR Technologies across the district, aimed at safeguarding against pathogens, mold, and viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

Phase One: Implementing CASPR Transit Units

The journey began back in 2021 when CASPR Transit units were installed on Meriwether’s entire bus fleet, effectively reducing absenteeism among bus drivers and improving overall student and driver health. 

Mickie Samper, Director of Transportation, noted a significant shift, “with the CASPR Transit units, we have seen a reduction in bus driver absenteeism. In addition, we had a driver comment it was the first time in 30 years of driving a school bus that she didn’t have a bus full of sick kids, and a year when she herself didn’t get sick.” 

A stark contrast to previous years, drivers were reporting fewer instances of sick students and themselves remaining healthy. The CASPR Transit units’ success in enhancing the health and well-being of both drivers and students sets the standard for transportation safety in schools nationwide.

Phase Two: Extending Protection to School Facilities

Building on the success of the CASPR Transit units, the district collaborated with CASPR distributor BioShark to deploy a comprehensive array of CASPR units throughout school, athletic, and administrative facilities. 

“CASPR’s technology and products have been proven safe and effective against some of today’s most virulent pathogens,” said Shannon Grube, Principle of BioShark. “As a distributor of CASPR to K-12, we believe this technology is a game-changer for protecting students and staff and helping to improve absenteeism. The beautiful part about the technology is that it continuously and safely disinfects without chemicals, even while people are present.” 

The units utilize CASPR’s proprietary NCC™ technology, converting humidity into safe levels of gaseous hydrogen peroxide to continuously disinfect air and surfaces, boasting an impressive efficacy rate of up to 99.96%. After Bioshark highlighted the efficacy and safety of CASPR technology, the district moved forward with confidence, recognizing the transformative potential of these units in safeguarding the health of students and staff across various facilities.

Phase Three: Observing Positive Impact

As the new academic year commenced, teachers and staff members like Rebekah Cook noticed immediate improvements in air quality and overall cleanliness. Cook, an asthma sufferer, highlighted the relief of breathing easier in classrooms equipped with CASPR technology, anticipating positive effects on student attendance and well-being: 

“I have asthma and breathing isn’t always easy. Since the installation of the air filtration system, I can breathe! My chest doesn’t feel heavy, and I have not had to use my rescue inhaler while setting up my classroom for the new school year. The entire school feels cleaner and smells fresher. I can’t wait to see how this system helps our students and see the positive impact it has on attendance!”

As the school year progresses, Cook eagerly anticipates witnessing firsthand the positive impact of improved air quality on student attendance and overall well-being. The implementation of CASPR technology not only promises a brighter future for students but also reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Acknowledging Success and Recognition

The district’s proactive approach to health and safety has garnered recognition, with Superintendent Dr. Robert Griffin expressing pride in the substantial reduction in absenteeism. 

“The implementation of CASPR Technologies has been a game-changer for our district,” Dr. Griffin remarked. “The notable decrease in absenteeism underscores the positive impact of prioritizing the health and safety of our students. We are committed to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and feel secure in their learning spaces.”

Amidst the educational landscape, the Meriwether County Board of Education stood out as a beacon of excellence, its commitment to student welfare recognized and celebrated at the GSBA Conference where they were honored as an “Exemplary School Board.” Their unwavering dedication to prioritizing student welfare through initiatives and actions have set a standard of exemplary leadership in the education community.

Looking Ahead with CASPR Technologies

The success of Meriwether School District’s journey illuminates the transformative impact of CASPR Technologies in creating healthier learning environments. With a commitment to innovation and safety, CASPR continues to lead the way in advanced indoor air quality and surface disinfection solutions, empowering educational communities like Meriwether to foster environments where students can thrive.

About Meriwether School District

Meriwether School District stands as a beacon of innovation in education, embracing change and prioritizing student welfare at every turn. The recent adoption of CASPR Technologies district-wide reflects the district’s unwavering dedication to creating safe and conducive learning environments for all.

About CASPR Technologies

CASPR Technologies stands at the forefront of indoor air quality and surface disinfection innovation, delivering products and services that redefine standards for health and wellness. From hospitals to educational institutions, CASPR’s solutions are transforming indoor environments, ensuring safety and well-being for all occupants.