Healthy Habits - School Air Quality

 In an effort to maintain uninterrupted, in-person learning, we need to invest in innovative solutions that prioritize health and safety. Air purifiers in classrooms could be the overlooked yet incredibly effective solution we've been looking for to remedy covid outbreaks, and help mitigate general flu, allergies and airborne-illness throughout the school year. 

Parent groups and air quality experts say the best way to safeguard children and teachers from the simultaneous risks of viruses and contaminated air is the combination of improved ventilation and advanced air filtration to effectively capture and remove viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants from the air.

By reducing the concentration of germs, dust, allergens and harmful particles in enclosed spaces, air purifiers create an environment that is inherently safer for students and educators and revolutionize the way we address air quality concerns in our educational institutions. Recognizing the critical importance of clean air for the health and well-being of students, teachers, and staff, can help in taking a proactive stance to provide a safe and conducive learning environment. Children deserve to learn in an environment that prioritizes their safety and health. Improved air quality is an essential step toward creating a safer and more conducive learning environment.

I had a chance to interview IQAir clean air expert, Glory Dolphin Hammes to learn more.

How does indoor air quality affect learning and education?

Research suggests that poor indoor air quality may directly reduce a person's ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, or memory - essentially the entire learning process.

What are some ways that children are particularly affected by air quality?

Children are particularly vulnerable to toxic air contaminants. Their breathing rates are higher in relation to their body weight, and their lung development is directly affected by air pollution. Exposure to polluted air during these developing years leads to decreased respiratory function later in life. Increasing reports of asthma, which is one of the leading causes of absenteeism among school age children, have been directly linked to elevated air pollution exposure.

What are some things that consumers should look for regarding the sustainability efforts of air purifier companies?

IQAir manufactures its products in Switzerland and Germany. There are very strict environmental requirements in Switzerland and the EU for manufacturers and employers. IQAir fully embraces its responsibility as a privilege, exceeding ROHs (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) requirements and adopting its "Truth in Materials" policy and becoming a "Great Place to Work."

About IQAir:
IQAir is a Swiss-based air quality technology company that empowers individuals, organizations, and communities to breathe cleaner air through information, collaboration and technology solutions. IQAir provides affordable air quality monitoring and data solutions to governments, NGOs, educational institutions, corporations and individuals in over 100 countries.