By: D.J. Manuel
One of the most essential yet least discussed COVID-19 mitigation efforts is improving air quality. In Macon County, Alabama the existence of older buildings with dated heating and air conditioning presented significant resource challenges related to this issue. Fortunately, Mr. Guy Trammell and Macon County Schools students stepped up to teach the community how to make an inexpensive air purification unit called a Corsi-Rosenthal Box.
The Corsi-Rosenthal Box is constructed using a box fan, cardboard, duck tape, and 4 MERV-13 air filters. According to the demonstration video produced by Macon County Students through the Tuskegee Youth Safe Haven, (https://youtu.be/vXtN32xW8hM) the box works to remove the flu virus and SARS-2 virus from indoor spaces at 700 cubic feet per unit. The video description says box can be constructed in about 25 minutes.
Over the course of the pandemic, the students provided in-person demonstrations on how to construct the Corsi-Rosenthal Box at local businesses, municipalities, and churches. In some cases, the local entities contributed the resources for the purifier materials and the units were left in place to purify their facilities. In other cases, organizations placed orders for a number of the boxes to be produced by the students as part of service projects.
Through their service, the students of Macon County have worked to safeguard the health of their neighbors and friends. They have found a way to inspire, inform, and help the community through Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes.