Monitoring air quality in schools is crucial for a number of reasons that have a direct impact on the health, comfort and educational effectiveness of students and teachers. Here are some of the main reasons why every school should attach importance to monitoring and improving air quality:
- Effect on ability to concentrate
Polluted air can significantly reduce students’ ability to concentrate. Substances such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter can lead to fatigue, headaches and reduced cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that high concentrations of carbon dioxide can lead to feelings of sluggishness and reduced cognitive function, which directly affects students’ ability to learn and focus on tasks.
- Comfort of students and teachers
Thermal comfort, which is closely related to air quality, affects the well-being and efficiency of teachers and students. Inadequate temperature and humidity can lead to discomfort, which in turn can lower morale and motivation to work and study. Good environmental conditions are therefore essential for maintaining high performance and satisfaction in the school environment.
- Learning results
Indoor air quality in schools has a direct impact on academic performance. Scientific evidence suggests that improving air quality in schools can lead to better test scores, greater learning ability and overall better academic achievement. Students can focus better and for longer periods when the air they breathe is clean and fresh.
- Elements that pollute the air
In schools, the most common air pollutants are:
- Carbon dioxide: High concentrations due to poor ventilation and large numbers of people in the room.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Derived from paints, furniture, office equipment, cleaning products and adhesives.
- Particulate matter and dust: These can come from building materials, furniture, and can also be the result of activities outside and brought inside by students and teachers.
- Mildew and allergens: They can develop as a result of poor humidity control and inadequate ventilation.
- Radon: A colorless, odorless gas that can penetrate buildings from the ground.
Summary Monitoring air quality in schools is key to ensuring a healthy and conducive learning environment. This can not only improve the health and well-being of students and teachers, but also contribute to improving overall educational performance. Investment in proper ventilation systems, regular cleaning and maintenance, and the use of low-emission materials. A system that very closely monitors most of the key factors affecting air quality in schools is Espirio. This solution, thanks to its compact size and also remote data transmission, can analyze continuously or periodically many rooms simultaneously. The system provides the ability to set up reporting to the administrator of data from all monitored locations – for example, multiple classrooms. The operator – the person who has access to all the data can, in the absence of a teacher’s response in a particular classroom, where we have exceeded the set standard, intervene and effectively help reduce dangerous or undesirable levels of pollution. The Espirio system also provides the ability to forecast the moment – the time when certain levels of contamination are reached, which also allows you to plan, for example, breaks or other activities related to ventilation of the premises faster enough.
