As a facility manager of a large church building, you face a unique challenge: how can you properly manage the crowds that come to worship while preventing illnesses from spreading? It’s hard enough for churches of any size to maintain healthy environments; however, larger buildings bring additional risk factors due to the sheer number of members and visitors.

Fortunately, there are effective strategies available that will help you keep your members safe and healthy. Indoor air disinfection solutions that use UV light to kill airborne germs are an ideal solution for large churches, as they can safely and continuously work in any indoor space. Get a quote for a disinfection system for your church building today.

There Are Hundreds of Large Churches in the U.S.

Around 38 percent of Americans say they attend church services at least once a week. Large churches across the country bring together thousands of people each week and offer a range of services and programs. These churches are often referred to as mega churches, and there are currently more than 1,700 of them in the U.S.

These churches each have an average of 5,000 congregants, meaning that in these large buildings alone, over 8.7 million people gather together each week! After Sunday services, these millions of people head back out into their communities. Because the church is a significant contact point for so many, facility managers need to consider the potential spread of sickness within their space.

A Wide Range of People Gather Together in Churches

A large church is an incredibly unique environment. It brings people from different neighborhoods and walks of life together in one space. Young and old alike gather closely for worship, creating a vibrant and diverse community. However, this diverse environment can also present health challenges. With so many people in close proximity, sickness can easily spread through airborne pathogens.

There is also a higher proportion of attendees over the age of 65 in churches. 33% of U.S. congregations are senior citizens. Senior citizens are particularly susceptible to common airborne viruses. This heightened vulnerability is due to age-related changes in the immune system, referred to as immunosenescence, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. The susceptibility of this group, along with the close-knit nature of church gatherings, highlights the importance of effective indoor air disinfection solutions in these large congregational settings.

Airborne Germs Spread Easily by Talking and Singing

Airborne pathogens can spread rapidly through talking and singing, and the environment of a church can increase the risk of transmission. Common viruses like the flu, which can cause serious illness, can be transmitted through respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, or sings. Additionally, COVID-19 can also be spread through the air. With many people gathering in churches to participate in group activities, the risk of transmission can be especially high.

Certain times of the year are particularly prone to the spread of viruses, such as the flu season which often peaks November through January. This coincides with a period when many churches experience a surge in attendance due to holiday services like Christmas and New Year celebrations. During such times, the risk of transmission is considerably elevated due to the larger number of people congregating in close quarters.

Indoor Air Disinfection Solutions Use UV Light to Destroy Airborne Germs

For large churches that welcome in thousands of people each week, finding ways to prevent the spread of sickness is crucial. For large churches with numerous congregants, this task can seem challenging. Indoor air disinfection solutions that use UV light may provide an effective solution.

UV light kills germs by disrupting their DNA and preventing them from reproducing. This means that when airborne viruses and bacteria come into contact with UV light, they are destroyed on the spot.

Germs that UV light can destroy include:

• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Rhinovirus

By investing in these indoor air disinfection solutions, churches can create a long-term, healthier environment and help shield their congregants from the spread of sickness.

UV Light Systems Work Safely and Continuously

UV light is extremely powerful, so these systems are carefully designed to work in indoor spaces without harming people. This light system is suspended from the ceiling, far above people below, keeping everyone safe as the light is diffused horizontally, capturing and destroying germs as they rise in the air.

This indoor air disinfection system operates continuously, automatically adjusting in response to environmental changes to maintain a germ destruction rate of over 99%. These systems are self-monitoring, intelligently reacting to fluctuations in room occupancy, temperature, or humidity, ensuring optimal effectiveness at all times.

Indoor Air Disinfection Solutions for Your Church

Invest in an indoor air disinfection solution with UV lighting so you can create a safe environment where everyone attending feels protected and looked after. By incorporating indoor air disinfection solutions that use UV light to reduce the spread of germs and viruses inside your church building, congregants and visitors can rest assured that you are doing your best to protect their health and well-being. Contact Farlite Solutions for a quote today.