The importance of indoor air quality in educational establishments

The importance of indoor air quality in educational establishments

Indoor Air Quality

The acronym IAQ refers to the assessment and control of air quality in indoor environments such as schools, universities, hospitals and other enclosed spaces. IAQ is important because the air we breathe inside these places can contain a variety of pollutants and contaminants that affect people’s health and well-being.

On average, a human being spends between 80 and 90 per cent of their time indoors, where the air contamination in these places can be up to 2 to 5 times more polluting than the air outside. The main indoor air pollutants include: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), mould and fungi.

Decree-Law 101-D/2020, of 7 December, establishes requirements related to indoor air quality that must be met to guarantee a healthy environment, setting specific limits for the concentration of pollutants and other variables that affect air quality.

The decree-law applies to all buildings used for commerce and services. In addition, it specifically includes large commercial and service buildings, as well as those housing crèches, pre-school establishments, primary schools and residential facilities for the elderly.

IAQ in educational establishments

With the expansion of access to education and the need for broader training, there has been a gradual increase in teaching hours. Portugal has the highest school workload figures in Europe, where primary school children spend around 1,000 hours a year in a classroom. In addition to the costly time spent in schools, children tend to be more vulnerable to air pollutants than adults, due to their still-developing respiratory systems.

Good IAQ is important for maintaining the health and well-being of pupils, as well as all teachers and staff, thus improving cognitive and physical development:

  • Greater concentration and productivity, in an environment with clean, fresh air, facilitating focus and attention;
  • Reduced mental fatigue, with a good ventilation system that prevents the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants;
  • Reduction of respiratory diseases, allergies and asthma attacks;
  • A more comfortable learning environment, with temperature control, humidity and odour reduction.

ParIn addition to the above, good IAQ also protects the physical structure of buildings, reduces maintenance costs, saves energy and extends the useful life of the building, generating economic benefits in both the short and long term.

OCRAM Clima’s solutions

At OCRAM Clima we understand the importance of healthy and comfortable indoor environments. Teaching centres are no exception; on the contrary, they are extremely important. With our experience and expertise in air quality, we offer customised solutions designed to meet specific needs.

OCRAM Clima’s commitment is to guarantee a healthy environment that promotes learning and well-being, while minimising health risks for students, teachers and staff alike.

References

Universidade de Vila Real,
Portugal
Escola Secundária de Odivelas,
Portugal
Sorbonne Université,
France

Date

18 September 2024

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