Schools Improve Air Quality

Various measures are taken to improve indoor air quality in schools. Some of them include improving HVAC systems, installing carbon monoxide detectors, controlling moisture and pests, and using safe cleaners. However, the problem of poor indoor-air quality is not limited to schools. Any school building can improve its IAQ through a combination of these measures. For example, schools can reduce the use of bleach and other chemicals that cause respiratory problems.

The World Health Organization recommends adequate ventilation and increasing the supply of total airflow in occupied spaces. The presence of this issue has put the issue at the forefront of many people’s minds. As a result, it is vital for educational institutions to take the lead in this area. It is important to note that children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to airborne illnesses and improving air quality in schools is a key measure for ensuring public health.

Why Is Air Quality in Schools So Bad

A number of schools prioritize indoor air quality and ventilation, and some have implemented these measures. The Center for Green Schools has published a study on how schools can improve air quality. The study surveyed 47 school districts and independent schools. It found that 87% of schools had increased outdoor-air supply by installing a pre/post occupancy flushing strategy, while 74% had upgraded filters. These actions have a positive impact on the health of students and staff.

How Can Schools Improve Air Quality?

Schools that are older may contain unhealthy levels of particulates that can get into the lungs and cause health issues. Additionally, those that are located near busy roadways are at higher risk for this problem as the dust and fumes seep into the buildings. Adding outside-air ventilation is an ideal solution, but can be a challenge in some regions. In areas with hot, dry, and cold weather, it can be difficult to bring in outside air. Besides, schools that are adjacent to high-traffic roads or highways are at risk for dangerous exhaust fumes that can cause respiratory problems and other long-term health complications.

As part of its mission to make schools healthier environments, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities is committed to ensuring that all schools are air-quality-compliant. While some steps may be considered optional, the benefits of improving indoor air quality for schoolchildren are worth it. By following the standards of the coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, it is possible to ensure that students and staff enjoy a healthy indoor environment. You can start by removing harmful building materials and using weather-tight sealants in your school.

Aside from opening windows, schools can also install ventilation systems that filter the air inside. Besides vents, air sterilisers are a cheap alternative. These units work by generating UV light and ozone in order to disinfect the air inside a school. These pollutants can be present in outdoor air, but they are not in indoor air. Moreover, schoolchildren are more likely to suffer from bad air quality if they spend time indoors.