Why Monitor Air Quality in Schools?

Investment in air quality has demonstrated increased test scores, performance, attendance, and teacher instruction. The EPA has identified these factors as critical in improving a school’s status to a “high performance school,” which leads to increased funding, easier faculty recruitment processes, and a more engaged community. An investment in air quality has the potential for significant financial returns while ensuring health and safety for all is a priority.

Address increased vulnerability

Children spend a considerable amount of waking hours inside schools, which frequently exposes them to harmful emissions in these areas. The American Lung Association considers children particularly vulnerable and more susceptible to air pollutants because their bodies are still developing.

Reduce transmission risk of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses

Inadequate temperature and humidity levels allow viruses to permeate longer in the air, as well as weaken the immune system’s ability to defend against them. 

Similarly, research demonstrates the direct correlation between COVID-19 mortality rates and heightened levels of particulate matter, which are small particles of dust, dirt, smoke, or liquid droplets that can infect the lungs and or get into the bloodstream, resulting in worsened breathing, asthma, heart attacks, and potentially long-term health consequences. 

Finally, COVID-19 and other airborne viruses are more easily transmitted in poorly ventilated areas, which can be indicated by CO2 levels.

Improve student and staff well-being

According to the EPA, asthma affects one in thirteen children and is the leading cause of school absenteeism from chronic illness. Emissions in and around schools trigger and exacerbate asthma symptoms, as well as increase the risk of development in children. 

The well-being of teachers and staff is also at risk when exposed to poor indoor air quality. A survey reported in a 2002 research report sponsored by the Ford Foundation concluded that ⅓ of teachers in Washington, D.C. recorded experiencing health problems from indoor air quality in their schools. A similar survey from CNN found that 40% of school nurses were aware of health issues among students and staff caused by indoor air quality.

Increase cognitive performance and productivity

Indoor air quality also has short-term effects that influence productivity and cognitive performance during school hours. A 2018 case study of a Turkish school, among other research, shows that high levels of pollutants like particulate matter, CO2, and O3 can cause fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and other inflammations and irritations. These side effects hinder students and staff ability to perform work. According to a 2016 Harvard study, cognitive scores can double by improving the environmental quality in a given setting.

Improve reputation & parent satisfaction

Parents are becoming increasingly concerned with the air their children are exposed to, especially with the onset of COVID-19. Schools can leverage good air quality metrics to attract new students, as well as cultivate parent satisfaction and peace of mind.