As the new school year looms, your to-do list is probably a mile long. From buying uniforms to parent-teacher meetings, there's loads to get on with. But have you thought about the air in your child's classroom? It's something that often gets overlooked.
Research has found that children are more affected by poor indoor air quality than adults. They breathe in more air relative to their body weight so are more vulnerable to the effects of bad air.
Fear not! We've got you covered with five easy ways to get clean air for your little learners at school. Let's get started!
1. Open Those Windows!
Did you know indoor air can be up to 4 times more polluted than outdoor air? The European Lung Foundation recommend opening windows and doors to let in fresh air and reduce indoor pollutants.
For maximum effect try opening windows on opposite sides of the classroom. Using a CO2 monitor can also help – if levels exceed 800 parts per million it's time to let in some fresh air!
2. Get Air Purifiers
With air pollution and pollen on the rise, environmental concerns are becoming a big deal in UK classrooms. Air purifiers are becoming essential. These clever devices capture particulates, chemicals and even viruses and release clean air back into the room.
In the UK, Coway’s Airmega 300 features a Max2Green™ Filter that lasts 12 months. The Max2Green Filter has a Green True HEPA™ filter and activated carbon filter, removing up to 99.999% of nano-sized particles.
Despite being compact, the Airmega 300 also has dual suction for optimal performance and cleans air in spaces up to 149 m². Plus. It’s ECARF certified for allergy sufferers.
Our purifiers also deodorize the air, making for more comfortable classrooms for learning, playing, exploring and everything else that goes on.
3. Keep HVAC Systems in Good Order
The UK's Health Security Agency (HSA) says well-maintained ventilation systems are a priority in schools. Some schools may need full system overhauls but there are simple things you can do to maximise effectiveness:
- Keep vents clear
- Clean diffusers and grills regularly
- Use high-efficiency filters and change them regularly
Ask your school's administration about their HVAC maintenance schedule. A well-looked-after system makes all the difference!
4. Go Green with Cleaning
Harsh chemicals in cleaning products can irritate eyes, noses and throats. The British Lung Foundation recommend using environmentally friendly cleaning products to improve air quality.
Ask your school to use cleaners with neutral pH levels and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And reduce dust-collecting items like heavy curtains to keep the air cleaner.
5. Educate the Educators
A well-informed teacher can have a lasting impact on a student's life – and that includes understanding air quality. The UK's Action for Clean Air in Schools has free resources on maintaining good indoor air quality in schools.
Ask your child's school to use these resources. Good air quality improves physical health and learning productivity and reduces absence rates.
Remember a healthy learning environment is a team effort. Whether you're a parent, teacher or school administrator taking steps to improve air quality can make a big difference to students' health and attainment. Help Coway build a healthier and sustainable future!
Put it on your back-to-school list: check the classroom air quality. Your child will breathe a sigh of relief!
