It’s possible medical supplies will be in limited quantity as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise but Russell Medical invented a way to help extend the duration of its N95 mask supply with the help of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Senior director of facilities services Mike McCaleb — with the help of his son Tucker McCaleb who is a chemical engineer and 2015 BRHS valedictorian — researched the physics to sterilize N95 masks. Maintenance manager Shannon Browning brought their scientific studies to life in the creation of an ultraviolet C (UVC)-lighted box.

Amy Passaretti is the editor of Lake Martin Living and Elmore County Living.