Barrington, RI | March 22nd, 2021
As part of an effort to enhance school safety, Apple Blossom Preschool & Early Learning Center is pleased to announce the addition of ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation disinfection equipment as an additional means of COVID protection.
This equipment utilizes the power of UV-C to eliminate harmful airborne pathogens that can help spread infectious diseases including COVID. UV-C has been utilized within the health care industry for nearly a century but has garnered more attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engineered and manufactured by Aerapy, LLC, this UV disinfection equipment achieved more than a 99.9% reduction when tested on surfaces and in the air with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Carl Salvo, the Chief Security Officer at Apple Blossom, said the center invested in these UV products because the daycare is a play-based and holistic facility that strives for collaboration among attendees. The preschool is taking a macro approach to the pandemic by implementing infection control that involves cleaning multi-touch surfaces and the air. Salvo further notes that the new Aerapy UV equipment has been key in reopening the preschool and keeping it open. This has helped prove the overall success of the disinfection hardware.
As part of its customized approach to the UV disinfection process, Aerapy collaborated with the school to analyze each space, the needs for every room, and commonly touched surfaces. This analysis allows Aerapy to utilize its proprietary sizing method to install upper air units. These air units include UV fans at both ends that create instant circulation, airflow, and disinfection. Salvo says that he believes the installation of these UV light disinfection systems is worth it for meeting the state reopening guidelines during the pandemic and to protect the staff, school attendees, families, and visitors.
Benefits of UV Lights for Disinfection
The Apple Blossom Preschool & Early Learning Center ditched the traditional disinfection methods and opted for UV lights for several reasons. Ultimately, UV disinfection offered the most advantages.
Affordable
One critical reason why Apple Blossom chose this technology is UV disinfection is an affordable solution. A one-time investment in the technology can save money for many years because there are not continual maintenance costs. The unit operates autonomously once installed, so there are no associated labor costs over time.
Doesn’t Require Portability
The next benefit of this technology is the UV light units can be installed and used, as necessary. This could be throughout the day, during recess periods, or at the end of every school day. In other words, Apple Blossom can let the units autonomously perform the work that will keep attendees and staff safe. Whether disinfecting the room when unoccupied or creating an overnight cycle, UV disinfection technology can get the job done without a human being present to control it.
Effective
One of the most important reasons why Apple Blossom installed UV disinfection lights is the effectiveness of the technology. UV light kills a variety of harmful organisms, including viruses like COVID. The technology is so effective against disease, it can even destroy spores and molds. Traditional disinfection options are either not effective enough or can leave a damp area where fungi may grow. On the other hand, UV disinfection is a dry process, so it prevents future growth.
Kills Pathogens Without Immunity
There are countless news stories about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This means certain viruses have become immune to disinfectants and antimicrobial agents. As you might imagine, antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a considerable problem within the medical community. However, UV light disinfection physically kills bacteria so it can never build an immunity to the process. This is a tremendous benefit for preschools and other high-traffic and touch areas.
Non-Toxic
Since UV light disinfection does not use chemicals, it’s a non-toxic option. This is not true for the industrial-strength chemicals used in sanitization products. UV light is environmentally friendly because it is a physical, not chemical, process and there is no biproduct. Furthermore, UV lights are safe for prep food areas like in the preschool kitchen and on non-food items.
Safety
Since most associate UV exposure with sunburns, the question always asked is, “Is it safe to use?” It is important to understand UV light is safe when used properly. In fact, UV lights are less likely to cause harm than the harsh, industrial-strength chemical found in cleaning products.
The Apple Blossom Preschool & Early Learning Center is taking monumental steps to keep students safe while going beyond the state regulatory requirements to remain open. Well-researched and test products like Aerapy’s UV light disinfection equipment are helping to reshape the safety of students, staff, and visitors from the preschool to the collegiate level and beyond.
The benefits of using UV lights to kill harmful pathogens and prevent spreading are enormous when compared to the traditional chemical removal of germs, which could be toxic and promote the growth of other bacteria that thrive in damp locations. Apple Blossom chose the correct technology to keep visitors and workers safe. Furthermore, the center will continue to utilize this type of technology once the pandemic has ended and the U.S. has reached herd immunity.
About Aerapy
Founded in 2008, Aerapy, LLC is an infection control company offering air and surface sanitizing equipment that utilizes UV lights. All products have been study-backed through countless hours of research and testing to offer the safest and most efficient UV sanitization options on the market. Aerapy products UV disinfection equipment for in-duct HVAC systems, mobile units, standalone upper air units, and surface cleaning units. Aerapy works closely with infection control scientists and all sanitization equipment is in restaurants, dental and healthcare facilities, municipal buildings, places of worship, veterinary clinics, pet boarding facilities, hospitals, and indoor buildings requiring infection control. Third-party, independent laboratories utilize strict testing methods to prove that Aerapy UV disinfection systems kill over 99.9 percent of tested bacterial pathogens and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. To learn more about Aerapy’s extensive product line and methodology, visit Aerapy.com.
About the Apple Blossom Preschool & Early Learning Center
Located at 136 County Rd. in Barrington, RI, the Apple Blossom & Early Learning Center focuses on instructing and educating the entire person, not just one area of development. Founded on the Waldorf and LifeWays philosophies, which are suited for those aged 18 months to five years, Apple Blossom promotes holistic development of a student’s body, mind, and spirit. This educational center services families by offering regular play-groups, community events, and child-care amenities, all of which promote collaboration. To learn more about the preschool and its amenities, navigate to https://www.appleblossomri.com.