When parents send their children off to school, they expect the classroom to be a safe, supportive environment where learning can thrive. But what if the air inside the school itself is silently working against that goal? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is an often-overlooked factor that can significantly affect both student health and academic performance. From chronic absenteeism to reduced test scores, the hidden influence of air quality in schools deserves more attention than it currently receives.
In this article, we’ll explore what affects indoor air quality in schools, how it impacts student health and learning, and what steps schools can take to improve it.
What Impacts Indoor Air Quality in Schools?
Several factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality within schools. Unlike homes, school buildings must accommodate large groups of people in relatively small spaces, making them more vulnerable to contaminants and pollutants. Some common contributors include:
- Mold and Moisture
Leaky roofs, plumbing issues, and high humidity levels can encourage mold growth. Mold spores can spread quickly through the ventilation system, causing both allergic reactions and more serious respiratory issues.
- Ventilation Problems
Many schools struggle with outdated or poorly maintained HVAC systems. Inadequate ventilation can allow carbon dioxide levels to rise and prevent fresh air from circulating, leading to drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.
- Asbestos and Building Materials
Older schools may still contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. If disturbed during renovations, or normal wear and tear of aging buildings, these fibres can become airborne and dangerous to inhale.
- Cleaning Products and Chemicals
Harsh cleaning supplies, paints, and maintenance products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which negatively impact both short-term and long-term health.
- Outdoor Pollutants
Schools located near highways, industrial sites, or high-traffic areas may experience elevated levels of air pollution indoors, especially if the building’s ventilation system is not adequately filtering outside air.
- Classroom Density
With many students packed into a single classroom, indoor air quality can deteriorate quickly, especially if windows are sealed shut or fresh air circulation is limited.
What Are The Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality on Students?
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air quality because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air compared to adults. Some of the health risks linked to poor IAQ in schools include:
- Respiratory Issues: Asthma, allergies, and chronic coughing can all be triggered or worsened by mold, dust, and pollutants.
- Headaches and Fatigue: High levels of CO₂ and VOCs can cause recurring headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Infections and Illnesses: Poor ventilation can allow viruses and bacteria to spread more easily, leading to higher rates of colds, flu, and absenteeism.
- Long-Term Risks: Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can contribute to chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, that may persist well into adulthood.
How Does Poor Air Quality Impact Learning and Academic Performance?
The effects of poor IAQ aren’t limited to physical health; they directly impact learning and cognitive function. Studies have shown that students in schools with cleaner air perform better academically. Some of the most significant effects include:
- Reduced Concentration and Focus
High carbon dioxide levels and poor ventilation can make students feel drowsy or sluggish, reducing their ability to pay attention during lessons.
- Memory and Test Performance
Exposure to air pollutants has been linked to decreased memory retention and lower standardized test scores.
- Increased Absenteeism
When students frequently miss class due to respiratory illnesses, allergies, or infections, it disrupts learning continuity and widens achievement gaps.
- Teacher Productivity
It’s not only students who are affected; teachers exposed to poor air quality may also experience fatigue and illness, leading to more sick days and less effective instruction.
How Can Schools Improve Indoor Air Quality?
The good news is that improving indoor air quality in schools is possible, often with cost-effective measures that benefit everyone in the building. Here are several steps schools can take:
- Upgrade Ventilation Systems
Ensuring that HVAC systems are regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained is critical. Installing high-efficiency filters can reduce airborne particles and improve overall air circulation.
- Control Moisture and Mold
Address leaks, water damage, and humidity levels quickly to prevent mold growth. Regular inspections should be built into facility management practices.
- Adopt Safer Cleaning Practices
Switching to green cleaning products that contain fewer harmful chemicals can minimize VOCs in classrooms and hallways.
- Monitor Air Quality
Using carbon dioxide monitors and getting regular air quality testing done can help schools track problem areas and take timely action.
- Increase Access to Fresh Air
When possible, schools should open windows or use outdoor learning spaces to ensure better airflow, particularly in older buildings with outdated HVAC systems.
- Engage the School Community
Educating staff, students, and parents about the importance of air quality encourages proactive reporting of leaks, odours, or other environmental concerns.
The classroom environment should be designed to give children the best chance at success. While curriculum and teaching methods are important, the physical environment plays a critical role that cannot be ignored. Poor indoor air quality can hold back even the brightest students by undermining their health and ability to learn.
By prioritizing clean, healthy air in schools, we’re not just reducing absenteeism and medical issues, we’re creating an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. Investing in indoor air quality is ultimately an investment in the future of education itself.
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