Schools plagued by air problems and carbon dioxide

Indoor air pollution affects the
learning ability of students.

When dozens of students sit in a closed-off classroom, breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide (CO2), then the air ventilation system better be good, or the CO2 levels will quickly rise.

In many schools, unfortunately, ventilation systems are in dire need of an upgrade or repairs, making elevated CO2 levels one of the most common problems in the school environment.

"Higher levels of carbon dioxide make a person sleepy and it also decreases their learning ability," said David Gettinger, a facilities manager, who was interviewed for An Eyewitness News Investigation about air quality in Indiana schools. "More carbon dioxide means there's not enough oxygen in the classroom and you don't think as straight."

Apart from CO2 levels, poor ventilation also means that other indoor pollutants such as mold spores, chemicals from art supplies, particles and odors are more concentrated and may affect the students.


Bad indoor air quality linked to poor academic performance

A study by chemical engineers at the University of Tulsa suggests that increasing classroom ventilation rates toward recommended guidelines translates into improved academic achievement.

Conversely, bad indoor air quality can lead to poor academic performance, more sick days and absenteeism and less productivity. Poor IAQ has also been linked with increased diagnoses of asthma and allergies.

Inferior indoor air quality naturally affects teachers and other personnel in schools as well.
Often, it’s up to parents, children and teachers to complain about the air quality before any kind of test or inspection is carried out.


Guidelines help facility managers control pollution levels

In the U.S., the guideline for CO2 levels in schools is based upon a recommendation from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

It sets the maximum CO2 limit for classrooms at no more than 700 ppm above the current carbon dioxide level of outside air. Because outdoor CO2 levels are usually in the 300-400 range, CO2 levels inside a school are considered elevated if they exceed 1100 ppm.

While fixing problems with the ventilation system often alleviates the problem, older ventilation systems may not be enough to supply students with an adequate amount of fresh air. 

Our air quality experts recommend using powerful air purifiers as well, either attached to the HVAC system or portable, free-standing units that can be plugged in and moved around according to need.

Suggested units for schools and universities include the RAP and RSU series and the 6000 Series for classrooms. Contact us today for more information.

Source: http://www.wthr.com/story/13966870/whats-in-the-air?clienttype=printable