INSIGHTS

Make Student and Staff Health a Priority for Summer Facility Improvements

By Lindsey Haglage, Vice President of Business Development for Protect|ED

Summer is finally here and it’s an ideal time to take a moment to consider the quality of the air that students and staff breathe in your schools. While many people may associate air pollution with outdoor sources like car emissions and factories, the truth is that indoor air quality (IAQ) also can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.

Poor IAQ in schools can be caused by a range of factors, including poor ventilation, chemicals from cleaning products and furniture as well as biological contaminants such as mold and bacteria. These pollutants can lead to a range of negative health effects, including respiratory problems, headaches and fatigue, which can affect student performance and attendance.

One of the most effective ways to improve IAQ in schools is to ensure that they are properly ventilated. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including opening windows, using fans or ventilation systems and using air purifying systems like NanoStrike™. 

According to a recent report by the CDC, only about half (50.7 percent) of K-12 public schools maintain quality airflow during active hours. We can do better for our children to ensure they have clean air to breathe.

It’s also important for maintenance staff to avoid using products that emit harmful chemicals, such as certain types of cleaning products and air fresheners. These chemicals can exacerbate symptoms and make it difficult for people with asthma to breathe. 

Another key factor in IAQ is humidity. High humidity levels during the summer months can contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria, which can have a negative impact on air quality. To combat this, it’s important to maintain appropriate humidity levels in indoor spaces even when school isn’t in session. In addition to NanoStrike™, it’s a good idea to utilize dehumidifiers as needed and ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained. 

It’s clear that IAQ is an important issue that deserves our attention and now is the perfect time to take action as districts make facility improvements throughout the summer months. By taking steps to improve IAQ in schools, we can help to protect the health and well-being of students and staff, and ensure that they’re breathing clean, healthy air. 

This summer, let’s all commit to taking action to improve IAQ in our schools and create a healthier learning environment for our children. 

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