Page 42 - spaces4learning, Spring 2021

spaces4learning K-12 COLUMN
REIMAGINING AIR
PURIFICATION IN
CLASSROOMS AFTER
COVID-19
Pandemic brings renewed focus on importance of indoor air quality in schools.
By Kevin Luo
FROM ADJUSTING to hybrid learning models to sanitiz- ing desks between classes to wearing personal protective equipment, the way classrooms operate has changed due to COVID-19. As the vaccine slowly rolls out across the country, faculty, parents, and students are all wondering what class- room changes are here to stay in 2021 and beyond.
One thing that will certainly remain a top priority for the foreseeable future is maintaining clean and sanitary public places, including classrooms. Most notably, the pandemic has vastly increased awareness of the importance of indoor air quality. During the onset of the virus, it was quickly con- firmed that COVID-19 is an airborne virus, and maintaining proper indoor air quality became a top concern.
Upgrading HVAC systems is one way for school systems to maintain indoor air quality, although installation can be costly and may not be feasible for all. Additionally, HVAC systems are designed to accommodate comfort by controlling humidity and temperature, not airborne pathogens such as COVID-19. Adding a high-grade air purifier to a classroom is a simple yet effective way to ensure the indoor air is free of contaminants.
When it comes to clean air in the classroom, there are four main components worth considering as educational environ- ments continue to adapt and change to prioritize indoor air quality. These components are performance, size, sound, and design.
Growing, Thinking and Learning
Air pollution is a major health threat to children, who are particularly at risk because their lungs and brains are still developing. Children also breathe more rapidly, taking in 50% more air in relation to their body weight than adults. This puts them at greater risk and makes them more susceptible to com- mon air pollutants like dust, smoke, and chemicals often found in cleaning products. Studies have shown that children are up to four times more likely to have significantly reduced lung function in adulthood if they live in highly polluted areas. Even further than that, air pollution can exacerbate underlying health issues. Long-term exposure has been associated with both new-onset asthma and the exacerbation of pre-existing asthma.
Because indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, those with children living in cities or areas with higher air pollution should consider air purifiers for their classrooms and main educational areas like cafeterias. Studies have shown that dirty air can have negative effects on cognitive development and coordination—which can have lifelong implications in terms of schooling outcomes and future careers. Clean air helps support children so they can achieve their full potential.
Air Purifiers Can Help
Maintain Attendance
According to the CDC, asthma-related illness is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, accounting for more than 14 million missed school days per year. An air purifier in a crowded classroom of sneezing students can help reduce the spread of colds and flu by filtering out bacteria and viruses.
42 SPRING 2021 | spaces4learning.com