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Lesleigh Rickerson
13 min read
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A classroom should be a safe place to learn and grow, but poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is making it harder for students and teachers to stay healthy. The air indoors is full of chemicals, dust, germs, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful particulate matter. These particles spread germs and illnesses around when not eliminated which impacts the overall health and safety of occupants resulting in increased absenteeism. A new survey of teachers in the U.S. shows the urgent need for better air quality testing and monitoring in schools.
Leading the Way for Action
Based on the survey, only 35% of schools use air purification, and just 13% have IAQ monitors. Some schools, however, are proving that better IAQ is possible by utilizing the following solutions:
- Regular air quality testing to track IAQ issues.
- Upgrading ventilation systems to improve airflow.
- Indoor air quality monitoring to ensure safe learning spaces.
- Maintaining air purifiers to remove pollutants effectively.
Additionally, teachers report better conditions and healthier classrooms in newer buildings or districts that prioritize air quality.
How BradyPLUS Can Help
Mastering indoor air quality is vital for the well-being of people who live, work, learn, and play inside four walls. With the right tools, schools can create safer, healthier learning environments.
At BradyPLUS, we offer a range of active and passive air purifiers that eliminate germs and odors for cleaner, safer indoor environments. We have the tools to help identify the sources of indoor pollutants and implement effective cleaning and facility maintenance processes.
Best practices for creating a safer and healthier overall building environment:
Key Takeaways
Clean Air is a Right
Clean indoor air should be a right for all students and staff.
Old Buildings, Poor Air Quality
Many schools are over 50 years old with outdated HVAC systems, mold, and leaky roofs. Only 36% of teachers rate their classroom air quality as good or excellent.
Health Problems from Bad Air
Poor IAQ is linked to frequent illness, allergies, and breathing issues. Concerns about respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 have risen, with 83% of teachers worried about the impact of bad air.
Ventilation and Temperature Issues
Many classrooms have little airflow, with windows that won’t open or need to stay shut in cold weather. This makes it hard to regulate temperature and keep air fresh. Worse, 35% of teachers say no action has been taken to improve IAQ in their schools.
Lack of Support from Schools
Although 97% of teachers believe schools should provide clean air, only 23% say their requests for better IAQ have been granted. Many feel ignored when they raise concerns about indoor air quality.
Neglected Air Purifiers
During the pandemic, schools added air purifiers, but many are no longer maintained. Some teachers even buy their own—9% in North America—because their schools won’t.
Take action today. BradyPLUS can help your school or facility with a custom air quality solution. Let’s make clean air a reality for all students and teachers.
Source
Findings based on the 2024 survey of educators across the U.S., highlighting the importance of indoor air quality in schools. Information sourced from: Fellowes Blog - Educators Speak Out: 2024 Survey on Classroom Air Quality
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