New Study Reveals Critical Importance of Clean Air in Classrooms as School Year Approaches

The Critical Importance of Clean Air in Classrooms

As students nationwide gear up for their return to school, a compelling study conducted by the American Lung Association in collaboration with the Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) and Carrier highlights the urgent need for clean indoor air in educational environments. The findings emphasize that the quality of air children breathe while in school can significantly impact their health, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Students spend a considerable portion of their day in classrooms, often exposed to indoor air that can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been linked to various health issues, including increased illness rates, asthma attacks, absenteeism, and diminished academic performance. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, stated, "Clean indoor air isn't a luxury — it's a necessity for healthy, thriving students and staff."

The American Lung Association's research involved a thorough study of the air quality at LILA, a charter school located in Forest Lake, Minnesota. This school serves pre-K through 12th-grade students across multiple campuses. The study implemented several innovative measures, including the installation of 137 continuous air quality monitoring sensors. These sensors monitored essential air quality metrics such as carbon dioxide levels, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, and relative humidity.

In addition to the sensor installation, the research included comprehensive building walkthroughs using the EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit, combined with surveys completed by teachers to provide valuable feedback on classroom conditions. Key insights from these actions revealed that carbon dioxide levels tended to increase towards the end of the school day, which could be managed through simple adjustments to HVAC schedules.

One of the striking findings was the identification of pollution sources within schools. The collaboration between teachers, Carrier solutions, and real-time sensor data helped pinpoint specific pollutants from sources such as vehicle exhaust and cleaning products, enabling targeted interventions to improve air quality.

Continual moisture control and regular HVAC maintenance emerged as critical factors for sustaining optimal indoor air quality and averting mold growth. The real-time monitoring approach allowed school facility staff to make informed decisions regarding ventilation and outdoor air intake, adapting quickly to changing air quality conditions.

Wimmer further emphasized, "To ensure that students and teachers can focus, learn, and thrive, we must treat indoor air quality as essential infrastructure. This study shows how a data-driven approach to assessing school air quality is vital in developing healthier learning environments."

This collaborative effort not only highlights the detrimental effects of poor air quality in educational settings but also presents actionable insights for school administrators seeking to enhance their facilities. The American Lung Association strongly encourages school leaders to prioritize improvements in indoor air quality as a fundamental part of their health and safety strategies for students.

For further information on how to assess and improve indoor air quality in schools, visit Lung.org/CASC. The American Lung Association remains committed to saving lives by improving lung health and aiding in the prevention of lung disease through education, research, and advocacy. With clean air as a fundamental human right, it is crucial to ensure our educational spaces promote optimal health, safety, and learning outcomes for every student.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is dedicated to saving lives and advocating for improved lung health while preventing lung disease. It focuses on four strategic imperatives: defeating lung cancer; championing clean air for all; enhancing the quality of life for those with lung disease; and shaping a tobacco-free future. For more details, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit Lung.org.