Sioux Falls schools install COVID-deterring air technology

The air quality inside Sioux Falls schools just got better.

The public school district installed an indoor air quality technology called AtmosAir Solutions in January, which brings bipolar ionization to all 23 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools and Southeast Tech.

How it works

AtmosAir’s bipolar ionization is “an active, continuous disinfection technology that combats coronavirus in the air and on surfaces through the use of ions that bind with pathogens and render them harmless,” according to the school district, “which will add an important safety layer for Sioux Falls’ education spaces.”

You can see how it works here:

According to AtmosAir, bipolar ionization technology has been proven to be more than 99 percent effective in neutralizing coronavirus in the air and on surfaces.

Tests performed by Microchem Laboratory, which it calls “one of the world’s preeminent laboratories for testing sanitizing products registered by the EPA and FDA,” confirmed that the presence of coronavirus was reduced by 99.92 percent within 30 minutes of exposure to AtmosAir’s bipolar ionization technology.

Better news: Federal funding helped pay for the system to be installed in every school. And it’s not just good for managing through the pandemic.

“This investment is one that will not only neutralize coronavirus but the flu virus and many other airborne concerns out there. Our highest priority is the health and safety of all students and staff. This system adds one more layer to their protection,” said Jeff Kreiter, the district’s director of operational services.

Local tie

A Sioux Falls company, Mechanical Sales SD Inc., managed the installation of the systems. It’s the local AtmosAir representative for Sioux Falls. The company was founded in 2008 and is located at 1609 W. First St.