Space Needle Testing Far-UVC Device in Elevator

The Space Needle is testing the technology of Population, a San Francisco-based startup selling a far-UVC device for businesses that can be installed on ceilings or walls to help eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria, in one of its three elevators, GeekWire reports. A study earlier this year found that far-UVC systems can reduce airborne disease transmission, and the Needle is testing the technology in what they hope is a long-term solution in keeping its visitors safe. The lights are in conjunction with an aggressive fresh air approach. Joel Dazey, special project manager for the Needle and neighboring Chihuly Garden and Glass, said the Needle elevators do one air change per minute, as opposed to the accepted norm of 1.5 to three air changes per hour. In July 2020, four months after closing at the outset of the pandemic, Needle officials spent US$1 million on an array of devices intended to rid the air and surfaces of harmful viruses, the source reports, adding that this investment in cleaning technology was aimed at helping the popular tourist attraction get back to the business of showing off its 600-foot-high views. Additionally, Otis was selected in October to modernize the Space Needle’s three elevators as part of a privately funded preservation and renovation effort called the Century Project.