UV lights installed in Philadelphia schools

Philadelphia Public School District installed 175 ultraviolet lights to help prevent COVID-19.

Maintenance Supervisor Terry Watkins explained the process of the iWave-R Residential Air Cleaners.

“The HVAC systems have filters that catch viruses and bacteria, and if any particles leak through the filters, the ultraviolet lights catch and destroy them,” Watkins said.

The iWave-R Residential Air Cleaners are installed throughout the elementary and high school and have many benefits: kills mold bacteria and viruses; kills pathogens in space; reduces particles in air; and controls odors.

Watkins said that these lights are also used in healthcare facilities to prevent bacteria and viruses.

“We installed the iWave-R Residential Air Cleaners because they are a top-notch product used in hospitals and emergency rooms all over,” Watkins said.

Watkins stated that these ultraviolet lights are self-cleaning and require no maintenance.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Lisa Hull stated that this is one way the school district is taking precautions to prevent COVID-19.

“After implementing our cleaning and sanitizing protocols and procedures last summer, we knew the next step was to address the air quality in our buildings. The combination of ultraviolet lights and air filters is another way to keep our students and staff safe during the pandemic,” Dr. Hull said.

Dr. Hull also stated that the installation process has taken several months due to lack of supplies from manufacturers, but the project will be completed once the backordered lights are received.