Indoor-Air-Quality-Schools

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Educational Facilities

Oct. 12, 2011

If you spend any part of your day in a classroom environment or educational facility, your IQ may be under assault by poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

If you spend any part of your day in a classroom environment or educational facility, your IQ may be under assault by poor indoor air quality (IAQ).  Roughly 20% of the U.S. population spends their days inside educational facilities, where poor IAQ can influence health, concentration, attendance, and student and staff performance.

Poor IAQ is associated with a variety of health risks and problems, including asthma, nausea, and fatigue.  Lennox Commercial offers educational facilities some helpful tips to improve the IAQ of their buildings and properties:

Reduce Chemical Pollutants.  High-efficiency filters, germicidal lights, and low emission cleaning supplies can all play a part in a reduction of indoor contaminant levels. These products help control particles, bioeareosols, and chemical vapors.  Reduction of chemical pollutants can result in a dramatic decrease in absenteeism as a result of chronic respiratory illnesses.

Balance Humidity.  High humidity levels have been linked to asthma, and provide an environment ideal for mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites to thrive.  High-efficiency filters can help with humidity control, and a dehumidification system based on humidity levels – not temperature – can be an excellent preventative measure against mold and bacteria growth.

Counter Carbon-Dioxide.  Lack of adequate air can drastically reduce the ability to concentrate for both faculty members and students.  Demand control ventilation systems provide a solution to exchange and dilute contaminated air through the introduction of fresh air, based on building carbon dioxide levels.

Dander Danger.  Asthma accounts for approximately 10 million missed school days each year.  Reduction of asthma triggers such as animal dander, roaches, dust mites, and mold can help prevent and control these missed days of work/school while providing a better environment for your faculty, staff, and students.  Common methods to attack the dander problem are high-efficiency air filters and germicidal lights.

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