
As kids return to classrooms across the U.S, concerns about the air they breathe are more important than ever, especially as COVID cases see a resurgence. While the dangers of airborne viruses like COVID-19 have been known for years, schools have lagged in making necessary improvements to ensure students are breathing clean, safe air. One highly effective solution, recommended by indoor air quality experts like Steve Fontaine, involves the use of HEPA 13 and 14 filtered air purifiers, which can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to harmful particles, including COVID.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are known for their ability to capture at least 99.99% of particles that are 0.1 microns in size, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens. HEPA 13 and 14 filters are even more advanced, capturing smaller particles and providing an extra layer of protection. Fontaine advocates for these systems because they are not only effective but also accessible. With proper placement and maintenance, HEPA filters can provide a safer environment in schools, where children spend long hours in close quarters.
Ventilation is key to reducing the spread of airborne diseases like COVID, but many schools still rely on outdated systems or fail to use them effectively. In a 2022 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about half of schools reported taking even simple steps like opening windows or using fans. Worse yet, very few upgraded their ventilation systems during the pandemic, despite having access to federal funding to do so. Fontaine emphasizes that HEPA air purifiers are a simple and immediate solution that can be implemented without the need for major infrastructure overhauls, making them an excellent choice for schools looking to improve indoor air quality quickly.
Beyond preventing the spread of COVID, HEPA filters offer protection against a range of airborne threats. Schools are not just dealing with viruses; there’s also pollution from traffic, wildfire smoke, mold spores, and off-gassing from plastics. These pollutants can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and contribute to higher absenteeism. HEPA 13 and 14 filters can remove many of these harmful particles from the air, reducing the overall burden on students’ health.
Fontaine’s recommendation comes at a time when public attention to air quality has waned, despite ongoing spikes in COVID cases. Pandemic fatigue has set in, and many people—including school administrators—believe there’s little more to be done. But air quality is not something we can afford to ignore, especially when the technology to improve it is readily available. Fontaine argues that just as we expect clean drinking water, we should expect clean air, particularly in places like schools where children are at greater risk of exposure to harmful particles.
Federal standards for indoor air quality are outdated and insufficient. Most regulations date back to the 1970s, designed primarily to protect against secondhand smoke rather than airborne viruses or pollutants. However, Fontaine stresses that individual schools can take proactive steps today by investing in HEPA-filtered air purifiers, which are proven to be a cost-effective solution with immediate benefits.
At a recent meeting held by the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, experts discussed the link between air quality and overall well-being, noting that better ventilation leads to improved cognitive performance and higher test scores for students. HEPA filters can play a crucial role in enhancing both the health and academic performance of students, making them an investment in the future.
There are also legislative efforts underway to address the broader issue of indoor air quality. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security has developed a Model Clean Indoor Air Act, which could help guide state legislatures in crafting new laws. Additionally, the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is working on its BREATHE program to develop advanced air-cleaning technologies. However, Fontaine emphasizes that while high-tech solutions are exciting, HEPA filters offer a straightforward, immediate fix that schools can implement now, without waiting for new laws or technology to be developed.
HEPA 13 and 14 air purifiers are not just another “gadget.” They offer real, measurable protection and should be a priority for schools, especially as we face a future where COVID and other airborne threats will continue to circulate. It’s time for policymakers, educators, and parents to recognize the value of clean air and make it a priority for our children’s health and safety.
As Fontaine says, “Clean air should be as fundamental as clean water. With HEPA filtration, we can make that a reality in our schools today.”
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