Pencils are sharpened and backpacks are filled. School is back in session, and teachers, students, and parents are hopeful for the best year yet! In addition to those long lists of school supplies, there’s one often-overlooked tool that should be on every classroom’s checklist: a portable air cleaner.
While most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can also have significant and harmful health effects. IAQ is a real concern as students head back to the classroom—especially considering fall allergies, illnesses like the common cold and the flu, and new COVID variants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors where levels of pollutants can be two to five times—and occasionally more than 100 times—higher than outdoor levels due to dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and more. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern in classrooms, where students and teachers are in close quarters for several hours each day.
The Importance of Clean Air in Schools
The quality of the air we breathe significantly impacts our health, concentration, and overall well-being. For students, who spend a considerable amount of their day in the classroom, breathing clean air is crucial. Poor indoor air quality can lead to:
- Increased absenteeism: Exposure to allergens and pollutants can cause respiratory issues, leading to more sick days.
- Reduced concentration and learning: Stuffy, polluted air can make students feel lethargic, impacting their ability to focus and learn.
- Aggravated asthma and allergies: For students with asthma or allergies, poor air quality can trigger symptoms, affecting their comfort and safety.
How Air Cleaners Make a Difference
While there’s no way to completely avoid illness-causing viruses and bacteria, there are ways to reduce the risk of indoor transmission. Portable room air cleaners are the quickest, most accessible option for improving indoor air quality in the classroom.
Air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, work by filtering out harmful particles including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses from the air. By removing these pollutants, air cleaners can significantly improve the air quality in classrooms, creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment.
Choosing the Right Air Cleaner for Your Classroom
When selecting an air cleaner for a classroom, consider the following factors:
- Size of the room: Ensure the air cleaner is capable of effectively covering the size of the classroom. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended room size.
- Filter type: Look for air cleaners with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, as they can capture more than 99% of harmful particles.
- Noise level: Since classrooms need to be quiet for effective learning, choose a model that operates quietly to avoid distractions.
- Maintenance: Opt for air cleaners that are easy to maintain, with filters that are simple to replace.
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Air Cleaner
- Air cleaners should be positioned as close as possible to the center of the room to maximize airflow.
- Change the air cleaner filter regularly, according to the model’s use and care instructions.
Other Ways to Maximize Indoor Air Quality in the Classroom
In addition to using air cleaners, here are a few other ways to improve indoor air quality:
- Open windows: Whenever possible, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor pollutants.
- Regular cleaning: Dust and clean surfaces regularly to prevent the buildup of allergens.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Use non-toxic cleaning products to minimize the release of harmful fumes.
- Limit the use of carpets and rugs: Carpets can trap dust and allergens. If possible, opt for hard flooring that’s easier to clean.
- Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly to remove pollutants that could potentially end up back in the inside air.
Let’s prioritize the health and well-being of students and teachers in the new school year. By adding air cleaners to the classroom, we can provide a cleaner, healthier environment that supports learning and growth.
AHAM Verifide ®
When you’re ready to purchase an air cleaner for the classroom, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark. Room air cleaners certified through the AHAM Verifide program have been rigorously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the product will perform to the manufacturer’s claims for the suggested room size. AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on product packaging.
To find AHAM Verifide® room air cleaners, use AHAM’s online searchable directory to locate the model that’s right for you.
Find a Certified Room Air Cleaner Here
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