What can be done to improve Air Quality in a Classroom?
Improving the air quality is important, and in this case, Vienna International School’s data proves it is vital to do so. Luckily, there are a few very simple ways to improve a schools air quality, most of which are relatively obvious.
- Opening Windows – opening the windows of a room seem to be relatively obvious idea. However, from our data we discovered that most classes are taught in rooms with closed windows – which are not opened throughout the class. Opening the windows allows more oxygen to enter the room and also allows the CO2 to exit the room. However, opening windows increases the chance of an increased value of PM2.5 particles, because they are created from combustion such as that of cars – and there are busy streets next to the school.
- Air purifier – air purifiers that contain a “Hepa” filter are able to remove both PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
- Plants – Surprisingly enough, even houseplants can improve the air quality of a room. A study by NASA in the 1980’s concluded that certain plants removed a significant amount of of harmful chemicals such as benzene. Plants may not have a direct and fast effect compared to opening a window, but over a longer period of time they can have a significant effect.
There are many more methods of improving the air quality. However these 3 are very easy methods and can be considered to be the most effective ones. The most important thing is to apply these methods during classes.
Indoor Air Quality 