Enhancing Classroom Air Quality as Students Return to School
American Lung Association Partners with Local School to Promote Healthy Learning Environments
As the new school year approaches, the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) and Carrier, highlights the significance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. This collaboration aims to improve student health and create conducive learning environments.
It’s estimated that children and teenagers spend a substantial portion of their day in classrooms, where the quality of indoor air can be significantly poorer than outdoor air. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues such as respiratory problems, increased illness, absenteeism, and even hinder academic performance.
“Clean indoor air is vital — it’s essential for the well-being of students and educators alike,” stated Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “This collaboration allows us to understand the implications of IAQ, which is a critical first step in fostering a better learning environment for all students.”
Schools often have higher occupancy rates and a combination of varied activities, which can complicate IAQ management. Furthermore, aging school facilities might intensify these challenges, making proactive air quality management paramount.
“We’re excited to work with the American Lung Association to support schools in developing healthier learning environments,” said Gaurang Pandya, President of Climate Solutions America at Carrier. “When students are spending the majority of their time indoors, ensuring high air quality is not just important — it’s necessary. Carrier provides a comprehensive range of solutions to enhance air quality in schools, ensuring well-being and building trust within the community.”
The IAQ study carried out at LILA, which serves pre-K to 12th grade students across multiple campuses, provided several key findings:
- Deployment of 137 air quality monitoring sensors enabled continuous tracking of CO2 levels, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, and humidity throughout the school.
- Building inspections using the EPA IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit provided valuable insights at two campuses.
- Teacher feedback through personalized classroom checklists offered further perspectives on air quality challenges.
Notable insights emerged from the study:
- CO2 levels peaked towards the end of the school day but could be managed with simple HVAC schedule modifications.
- Surveys from teachers and walkthroughs, supplemented with data from Carrier's tools, were crucial in identifying pollutant sources like vehicle emissions and cleaning products — paving the way for targeted actions to improve air quality.
- Effective moisture management and regular HVAC upkeep were recognized as integral in sustaining optimal air quality and preventing mold.
- Real-time monitoring empowered facility staff to make informed decisions about ventilation and air intake from outdoors.
The American Lung Association encourages educational leaders to give priority to improvements in indoor air quality as part of broader health and safety strategies for students.
Wimmer emphasized the importance of viewing air quality as vital infrastructure necessary for learning. “This study underscores that a comprehensive, data-informed approach to assessing and enhancing indoor air quality is essential for fostering healthier school environments for everyone,” he remarked.
To discover the full details of this case study and to access resources for improving indoor air quality in educational institutions, please visit Lung.org.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is dedicated to saving lives through the improvement of lung health and prevention of lung diseases. Its focus is directed towards four strategic goals: battling lung cancer, advocating for clean air for all, enhancing quality of life for those living with lung conditions, and moving towards a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, contact 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit Lung.org. To support the initiatives of the American Lung Association, explore available local events at Lung.org/events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is indoor air quality important in schools?
Indoor air quality is crucial as it significantly affects students' health and learning efficiency. Poor air can lead to respiratory issues and decreased academic performance.
What are some common pollutants found in schools?
Common pollutants include carbon dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and moisture, which can result from cleaning agents, emissions, and outdated HVAC systems.
What steps can schools take to improve air quality?
Schools can enhance air quality by installing air monitoring systems, adjusting HVAC schedules, conducting regular maintenance, and educating staff and students about air quality management.
How does the American Lung Association contribute to air quality improvements?
The American Lung Association collaborates with schools and organizations to promote research, provide educational resources, and advocate for policies that promote clean air initiatives.
What was a significant finding from the recent IAQ study?
A key finding was that simple adjustments to ventilation schedules could effectively manage carbon dioxide levels at the end of the school day, highlighting the importance of proactive air quality management.
