It is no secret that having clean and pure air in classrooms is important for the health and well-being of students. However, many schools do not have the resources to properly filter the air in their classrooms. There are a few simple steps that you can take to help keep the air in your classroom clean and pure.
Risks of Poor Air Quality
The dangers of poor air quality in classrooms are numerous. Poor air quality can cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In extreme cases, it can even lead to serious illnesses such as cancer. In addition, poor air quality can also lead to decreased productivity and focus among students and the faculty, as well as increased absenteeism from school.
How to Identify Poor Air Quality in the Classroom
There are a number of factors that can contribute to poor air quality in classrooms. Poor ventilation is one of the most common problems. When classrooms are not properly ventilated, hazardous fumes and dust can build up, putting students at risk.
One way to identify poor air quality in the classroom is by checking the CO2 levels. Normal CO2 levels in a classroom should be between 600 and 1,000 parts per million (ppm). If the levels are above 1,000 ppm, then it is likely that the air quality in the room is poor.
Schools that are in old buildings may have paint that contains dangerous levels of lead. Mold is another common problem in schools and can cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma.
There are a number of other air pollutants that can be found in schools, including asbestos, VOCs, and PCBs. Asbestos is a mineral that is commonly found in older buildings. It was once used in a variety of products, including insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles. However, it is now known that asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen.
VOCs are a type of chemical that is released into the air from various products, including paints, solvents, adhesives, and cleaning products. PCBs are a type of industrial chemical that was once used in a variety of products, including fluorescent light bulbs and electrical equipment. However, PCBs have been banned in the United States since 1979.
It is important to have the building tested for all of these pollutants and if any are found, immediate steps must be taken to eliminate them.
How to Improve Air Quality in the Classroom
In addition to eliminating toxic materials, there are a number of other things that schools can do to improve the air quality in their classrooms. The first step is to keep the room clean. Make sure to regularly vacuum and sweep the floors, and dust the furniture and shelves. This will help reduce the amount of dirt and dust in the air.
One of the most important things is to ensure that classrooms are properly ventilated. One of the simplest things to do is to open a window to allow fresh air into the room. Fresh air is a great way to help purify the air in a room.
Schools can promote active learning in the classroom. Having students move around more will help to increase airflow. In addition, schools can purchase plants to help improve the air quality in the classroom. Plants not only improve air quality but also help to improve student productivity and focus.
Schools should avoid having harsh chemicals in cleaning products. If possible, schools should switch to green cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment.
Finally, schools should encourage their students to practice good hygiene habits. This includes washing their hands regularly and covering their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. Schools must also prohibit smoking and vaping on the campus, especially in classrooms and other indoor spaces.
Using an Air Filtration System in the Classroom
For a more long-term solution, schools can consider implementing an air filtration system in their classrooms. Industrial air compressor filters help to remove airborne contaminants from the air, providing clean and pure air. There are many types of air filtration systems available on the market, so it is important to do research to find the one that is most suitable for the school.
In addition, schools can install portable air purifiers in each classroom and in areas where students congregate the most. Portable air purifiers provide further help in removing contaminants from the air, making it safer for students to breathe.
Another helpful piece of equipment is a humidifier. It will help increase the moisture content of the air, which can help reduce the number of allergens in the air. Humidifiers must, however, be used properly for safety.
Benefits of Having Clean Air in Classrooms
The benefits of having clean air in classrooms are numerous. Not only will it improve the health and well-being of students, but it will also lead to increased productivity and focus. If you are concerned about the air quality in your classroom, we encourage you to take action today to improve the situation.
