Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in K-12 Schools

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in K-12 schools significantly impacts student well-being and academic success. Good IAQ enhances cognitive function, productivity, attendance and overall health. Conversely, poor IAQ can facilitate the spread of contagious illnesses spread through airborne respiratory droplets and aerosols. In addition, indoor pollution sources like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter contribute to degraded air quality.

Several factors make school settings vulnerable to indoor air pollution:

• Airtight construction methods that trap contaminants
• Energy conservation measures that lead to lower ventilation rates
• Synthetic materials in building and furnishing that release harmful compounds
• The widespread use of personal care items, pesticides and cleaning agents

Fortunately, poor IAQ in schools can be controlled through the use of high-efficiency air filters in HVAC systems. Air filtration improves ventilation by capturing airborne pollutants. This purification process ensures that recirculated indoor air remains free from particulates. In cases where HVAC systems cannot support high-efficiency filters, standalone air purifiers can be used as a supplement to remove gaseous pollutants from the air.

Despite these solutions, implementing IAQ improvements in K-12 schools often encounters obstacles. This article explores the most common barriers and provides strategies to overcome them.

Identifying the Barriers to Safe IAQ

Old Facilities

Many K-12...

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