Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) this week unveiled the latest steps in its Healthy Building Initiative to combat COVID-19, including technologies to sanitize the air in the terminal and UV-C light to disinfect surfaces on escalators and moving walkways.
“As air travel begins to pick up for spring and summer, we want to reassure our passengers and employees that CLT is providing the safest facility possible,” said Haley Gentry, CLT acting aviation director. “The airport has chosen to take a multi-layer approach by enhancing our cleaning practices as well as utilizing innovative tools for sanitation.”
CLT’s Healthy Building Initiative includes bipolar ionization integrated into the HVAC system. The technology releases ions into the air that latch onto and disable viruses, allergens, bacteria and airborne mold to provide continuous disinfection.
The airport is installing UV-C light technology on escalators and moving sidewalk handrails with completion scheduled for the end of this month. The UV-C lights eliminate harmful bacteria on handrail surfaces as it passes through the mechanical modules as it rotates, delivering nonstop sanitization.
CLT has also installed more than 1,200 MERV-13 filters, which trap 98 percent of airborne particles, including mold, pet dander, bacteria and particles that carry viruses, such as COVID-19. MERV-13 filters work up to 30 times more effectively and lasts three times longer than ordinary fiberglass filters.
