Add as a preferred source on Google

A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Natural Light Found to Help Kill Bacteria Indoors

  • 06/11/21

A recent study conducted by the University of Oregon evaluated sunlight's impact on dust and germs in an indoor space. According to the research, published in the journal Microbiome, rooms exposed to daylight have fewer germs and half the viable bacteria compared with dark rooms.

Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, Ph.D., the co-author of the study and co-director of the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon concluded that "Until now, daylighting has been about visual comfort or broad health. But now we can say daylighting influences air quality."

A Different Approach to Virus Mitigation

Great news, but what do you do about spaces with limited sunlight exposure? Well, there is another option that's simple and cost-effective: Tubular daylighting, a top lighting system that evenly distributes sunlight without glare and minimal solar heat gain. Tubular daylighting allows for beautifully-natural light without any complicated structural modifications. In addition, the delivery of quality daylight to the school environment has shown to improve concentration, reduce behavioral issues and foster greater student achievement. 

Solatube offers daylighting solutions for all types of education spaces including classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, labs, hallways, cafeterias and more.

Featured

  • Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

    Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services.

  • Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

    The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

  • University of West Florida Opens New Laboratory Facility

    The University of West Florida recently announced that renovation work is complete on a new lab building for its campus in Pensacola, Fla., according to university news. Building 80 will serve as the home to the university’s civil engineering program and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.

Digital Edition