Utah launches clean air initiative by providing air purifiers in every classroom

SALT LAKE CITY – In an historic and far-reaching clean air initiative, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) have partnered to place air purifiers in every K-12 school classroom, licensed pre-K child care centers, and early childhood education centers in Utah. The funding for the program comes from a one-time federal grant (the federal Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools Grant) and will end in July.

More than 60% of Utah schools and child care centers have taken advantage of the program so far, with other classrooms encouraged to join the program before the funding ends on July 31, 2023. The initiative aims to improve air filtration, which affects student performance, makes classrooms safer, reduces absenteeism, and improves the overall health of children, students, and teachers.

The groups say indoor air pollution can increase the severity and transmissibility of infectious diseases, making air purifiers in schools essential. The health and comfort of students and teachers contribute to learning and productivity in the classroom, which in turn affects performance and achievement.

The program offers schools and individual classrooms the opportunity to participate without any additional costs beyond signing up for the program. Estimates indicate that the air purifier would require a filter replacement about once a year, costing anywhere from $60 to $400 depending on the unit purchased. Schools can receive up to six free replacement filters with their order.

To take advantage of the program, schools can visit the UPHE website or email [email protected].

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