Charleston County Implements Innovative Air Purification Systems for Safer Indoor Spaces

Charleston County Leads the Charge for Clean Indoor Air

On a brisk December day in Charleston, temperatures hover around a cool 49°F with a touch of wind. But despite the chill in the air, residents of Charleston County have reason to feel warm and fuzzy inside. Why, you ask? Because the county has embarked on an ambitious journey to improve air quality in its public buildings, paving the way for a healthier and safer indoor environment just in time for the cold, flu, and COVID season!

Acting on a Post-Pandemic Reality

Four and a half years after the pandemic changed the way we think about health and hygiene, it’s become painfully evident that many public buildings just aren’t equipped to handle airborne illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. In close quarters, not having clean air means potential risks for both public health and individual well-being.

Charleston County is stepping up to ensure that people who visit their public buildings can breathe easy. Facilities Management Director, Phil Sabatino, recognized the urgent need for better air quality and began reaching out to HVAC companies to find innovative solutions. “We were looking for ways to improve our air quality,” Sabatino shared. However, with so many companies throwing proposals his way, he had serious concerns about how effective these technologies could be.

A Game-Changer in Air Quality Solutions

All of this changed when Sabatino joined a call with a Dallas-based company, Active Pure Technologies, whose approach to air quality caught his attention. “I became very interested in [the ActivePure] technology because they had proven results with a lot of data to back it up,” he said, feeling that this company stood out from the rest.

Active Pure Technologies, which welcomed former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, and Chief Commercial Officer, Amy Carenza, in 2021, had already done extensive research and spent millions refining their air purification product to reach FDA clearance.

Collaborative Efforts for a Healthier Future

Over nearly a year, Sabatino and his team engaged in meaningful conversations with Carenza and Dr. Birx, digging deeper into the Active Pure technology. The calls weren’t just a formality; they were a thorough examination, with Charleston County pulling together input from various stakeholders. “You could tell that they were consulting with experts,” Carenza noted, appreciating the rigorous scrutiny and questions from the county’s leadership team.

Finally, after extensive research and deliberation, Charleston County decided to install Active Pure’s air purification systems in several buildings, including the Lonnie Hamilton Public Services Building and a handful of magistrate courtrooms. So far, the results have been promising. “We have had individuals report feeling better and being less sick,” said Sabatino. “We’re hearing these good news stories, which is encouraging.”

Setting a New Standard for Clean Air

What makes Active Pure special? Simple! It works by creating molecules that actively attack harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi—just like how the sun purifies outdoor air. “That is exactly what Active Pure does,” confirmed Dr. Birx. “Over time this technology could mean people no longer need to worry about wearing masks because we would minimize the risk of infection in public spaces.”

Charleston County’s current focus is on high-traffic buildings, but there’s a vision to broaden the reach of Active Pure technology throughout the county in due time. This proactive approach not only elevates the conversation around public health but also puts Charleston County on the map as a leader in creating safe spaces that celebrate community health!

Wrapping It Up

With changes like these in the works, Charleston County isn’t just waiting for the cold and flu season to pass; they’re daring to do something about it. So, the next time you’re visiting a public building in Charleston County, you might find yourself breathing a little easier, knowing that the county is working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. Who knew that a fresh breath of air could feel so good?