United States Safetraces Tender

UL the global safety science leader and SafeTraces a market leader in DNA-based technology solutions today launched a comprehensive program for indoor air quality ventilation and filtration verification and infection control for K-12 schools. The collaboration combines ULs indoor environmental quality verification services expertise with SafeTraces veriDART solution the first aerosol-based diagnostic solution for verifying ventilation and filtration efficacy for infection control.According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious virus that is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosols. UL and SafeTraces are combining forces to address this transmission risk with a program specifically to assess and mitigate health and safety risk in K-12 schools.Utilizing ULs Healthy Buildings services enabling building owners and operators to assess indoor environmental quality with the SafeTraces veriDART solution a risk assessment tool for airborne pathogens including coronaviruses the program provides insight to help K-12 schools reopen safely. SafeTraces veriDART leverages patented DNA-tagged tracer particles that safely mimic aerosol mobility and exposure in order to identify high-risk infection hotspots and transmission routes assess ventilation and filtration efficacy and inform remediations with a rigorous science-based data-driven methodology.The SafeTraces program consists of a comprehensive building data review HVAC system inspection air quality testing ventilation assessment exhaust system verification and SafeTraces veriDART infection risk assessment. Schools will receive a final report that consolidates results analysis conclusions and recommendations with the opportunity for recurring UL Verification and ongoing support.The pandemic has introduced a heightened interest in health and wellness among educators. Ensuring that school buildings support student and staff health now tops the priority list for school systems across the U.S. said Sean McCrady director in ULs Assets and Sustainability Real Estate and Properties division. Reducing disease transmission risk is especially important in our schools and places of learning where good ventilation and indoor air quality are imperative. ULs collaboration with SafeTraces helps schools address this head on to aid them in creating a safe and healthy learning environment McCrady said.How do we verify that air and airflow are safe In the face of a highly transmissible and potentially lethal airborne pathogen like SARS-CoV-2 this fundamental question has never been more important and the stakes have never been higher for our students teachers staff and communities said SafeTraces CEO Erik Malmstrom. Unequivocally SafeTraces and ULs program establishes a benchmark for K-12 school safety verification. Were thrilled to collaborate with a market leader like UL to support such an important mission.