Columbus libraries to use Ion system to help clean air
As coronavirus rages on, and public buildings struggle to remain open, Columbus Metropolitan Library officials think they have found at least a partial solution to prevent viral spread.
Library trustees voted unanimously Thursday to spend $500,000 for an air purification system to help mitigate the spread of airborne pathogens, including COVID-19.
The technology, called needlepoint bipolar ionization, produces airborne ions that are distributed through a ventilation system. All 23 branches would be upgraded as early as as the next few months, depending on equipment availability, said Andrew Kistler, the library’s director of property management.
Columbus branches, as others around the state, are limiting occupancy to about 10% of capacity with limited browsing and computer use and no plans to change through year-end, said Pat Losinski, executive director and CEO of the Columbus system. “This is one more measure ... an extra layer of protection,” he said.
According to a library staff report, the ventilation process deploys both negatively and positively charged ions that attach to particles in the air, making them larger and more easily filtered. In addition, when in contact with pathogens, such as coronavirus, they disrupt surface proteins, rendering them inactive.
The idea came during regular meetings with nine other metropolitan library systems around Ohio. The Toledo
Lucas Public Library is already installing the system in some branches.
The board plans to waive legally required competitive bidding requirements due to the urgency and persistence of the viral spread.
The devices are integrated into the facilities’ central air ventilation systems and produce high concentrations of ions, without producing ozone, a harmful gas, according to the staff report.
The 23-branch library system already has altered its operations in response to the Ohio Department of Health’s recommendations, including use of exhaust fans to increase air flow within buildings and upgrading to higher-rated air filters.
Those steps have increased library expenses by an estimated $155,000 annually.
Studies have shown that bipolar ionization enables facilities to use lesscostly filters and to minimize heating and cooling costs.
The cost of the technology will be offset by budget reductions implemented in April as well as federal funding for Ohio public libraries.
The library said it would likely reduce its additional annual operating costs by the one-time purchase of the system.
Library officials state that they will still seek out various manufacturers of the technology before selecting the “best fit” for their branches.
The final cost of the project may vary depending on the vendor and will likely be presented to the board early next year. dnarciso@dispatch.com @Deannarciso