Indoor Air Quality in Schools is Critically Important

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a primary concern for both schools and universities, due in part to the age and overall condition of a typical educational building. In 2014, the National Center for Education Statistics surveyed a sample of school districts and estimated that the average age of the nation’s school buildings was 55 years old. Additionally, nearly one-fourth of the nation’s schools have one or more buildings in need of extensive repair or replacement, and nearly half have been reported to have problems related to IAQ.

Students need protection as they spend more than 1,300 hours in a school building each year. Poor air quality in schools and universities has been linked with problems in concentration, increased asthma, generally lowered health, and reduced academic performance. Ensuring clean air is vital not only to children’s growth and wellbeing, but to their long-term health as well.

The Air Inside Schools and Universities Can Contain: 

• Molds, spores, pollens 
• Carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Bacteria, viruses and byproducts
• Vehicle engine exhaust, exhaust from industrial plants
• Asbestos, clays, elemental particles and man-made fibers

The health and comfort of students and teachers are among the many factors that contribute to learning and productivity in the classroom, which in turn affect performance and achievement. In addition, failure to respond promptly and effectively to poor IAQ in schools can lead to an increase in long-term health problems and potential liability problems

Optimize Your Filtration and Improve Your Environment

Quality air filtration system design, operation, and maintenance are critical for providing clean and healthy indoor air in schools. Properly functioning filtration systems reduce the pollutants that cause most IAQ problems inside school buildings, such as dirt, dust, pollen, dander, and fibers. In addition to improving occupant health and performance, regular HVAC maintenance also saves energy and extends the life of HVAC equipment.

A thorough air filter audit of your HVAC system is the first step that AAF Flanders recommends to provide you with professional guidance and an analysis for cost savings and liability reduction opportunities. By conducting this audit, we document your current state and advise you on how your facility could perform better, helping you save money, save time, and reduce risk. 

Contact your AAF Flanders representative to schedule an audit and to find out how the insights from intelligent data tools, including TCO Diagnostic^® and Sensor360^®, can improve your operational outcomes.