MDHHS extends free air purifier program, available to all K-12 schools in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging more K-12 schools to acquire free air purifiers, promoting a safer and healthier learning environment for students and staff.
The MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program launched last year to support the improvement of indoor air quality in schools, according to a news release. The program provides portable MA-112 air purifiers that help reduce the number of harmful microbes and allergens in the atmosphere – at no cost to Michigan schools.
The extension of the program comes after the CDC updated its guidelines for air exchanges in occupied spaces, including schools, to at least 5 air changes per hour of clean air.
Trapping 99.9% of harmful particles
"MDHHS continued this program to offer additional filtration systems as part of the mitigation strategy in providing clean air," Chelsea Wuth, MDHHS Associate Public Information Officer, said in an email to the Free Press. "The units being offered have the ability to trap 99.9% of harmful particles like smoke, allergens, odors, VOCs, pollen, pet dander, dust, smog and other contaminants down to 0.1 microns."
MA-112 purifiers cover 2,500 square feet every 30 minutes, according to MDHHS. The department has distributed over 42,600 air purification machines to 451 school districts across the state since the MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program started in December 2022.
"MDHHS is extending this program so that schools who have participated can order more machines if needed under the new guidance and to provide schools that have not participated with an opportunity to add these machines to their strategy," the release said. "Schools are able to order as many machines as needed based upon their building’s needs."
More: Track air quality in Michigan with maps, forecasts
Keeping schools safe when outdoor air quality is poor
Through June and July, Michigan's outdoor air quality has fluctuated due to smoke from Canada's wildfires. When outdoor air quality is poor, schools may experience challenges in maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
"Without an air purifier or proper HVAC system, it can be more difficult to maintain healthy indoor air quality when outdoor air quality is unhealthy, highlighting the importance of the MDHHS MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program," Wuth said.
As soon as the outdoor air quality enters the orange category, which is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, MDHHS and the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency recommend taking actions to reduce indoor air pollution in schools. Actions include but are not limited to:
Closing windows and limiting the opening of outside doors.
If an HVAC system is in place: shutting outside air intakes unless equipped with MERV 13 filters or better.
When smoke levels reach the unhealthy category (red): establishing a designated clean air room to cater to at-risk children and staff experiencing symptoms.
“Air purifiers are another tool in our toolbox to improve air quality and help prevent the spread of illness while at school, as well as provide additional protection from allergens and wildfire smoke,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, said in the release. “MDHHS is excited to offer the air ventilation and purification program to our schools. Staying healthy leads to better academic outcomes as well as social and emotional well-being.”
An online form is available for schools to place a request for MA-112 purifiers. All public and private K-12 schools are eligible to place a first-time request or place an additional request to receive purifiers while supplies last. For every MA-112 purifier schools are awarded, they will receive 9 additional filters.
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: All Michigan K-12 schools eligible for free MA-112 air purifiers
