Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a pivotal role in creating a healthy and productive school environment. With approximately one in five people in the U.S. spending their days in school buildings, understanding and improving IAQ is essential for student health, learning, attendance, and overall well-being.
Health Implications of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor IAQ exposes students and staff to a range of indoor air contaminants, including fine particles, viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These contaminants can lead to respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and increased instances of asthma. Alarmingly, an estimated 12.8 million school days are missed annually due to asthma, highlighting the urgent need for improved air quality in educational settings.
More Negative Consequences of Bad IAQ
The impacts of poor IAQ extend beyond physical health. There is a clear connection between inadequate air quality and decreased school performance. Increased illness and absenteeism due to poor IAQ directly affect students' ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform well on cognitive tests. Studies have shown that better air quality can enhance cognitive function and reduce symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation, all of which can detract from learning.
Better Air, Better Performance
Improvements in IAQ, whether through increased outdoor air ventilation rates or the removal of pollution sources, have been linked to enhanced performance in both children and adults. Schools that prioritize air quality see better academic outcomes and healthier, more engaged students and staff.
Good Air Quality is Good for Budgets
Investing in good IAQ also makes financial sense. By reducing sources of health problems and preventing the spread of infections, schools can lower student and teacher absenteeism. Since a significant portion of a school’s operating budget depends on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), even small increases in attendance can substantially boost the budget.
Improving Your School’s Indoor Air Quality
Air quality needs can vary based on location, pollution pressures, temperature, and building occupancy. Choose approaches like increased ventilation, better filtration, and electronic air cleaners that allow you to respond to changing air quality pressures and best fit your facility needs.
When planning new builds or renovations, schools should adopt the principles of High Performance Schools. This approach focuses on designing facilities that enhance the learning environment while saving energy, resources, and money.
Prioritize Indoor Air Quality
Improving IAQ is not just a health imperative; it’s a key component of fostering a productive learning environment. By prioritizing IAQ, schools can ensure that students and staff thrive in a healthy, supportive atmosphere.
Learn more about how GPS Air solutions can enhance your school's indoor air quality and save on energy and equipment costs.
Resources:
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/building-type-air-resources/at-school/importance-of-air-quality-in-schools
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/2021/09/09/impacts-of-indoor-air-quality-on-cognitive-function/
https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-high-performance-schools
https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/evidence-scientific-literature-about-improved-academic-performance
