COVID-19 led to a massive lockdown and closure of educational institutions right after its emergence in 2020. Within a month’s time, most schools, colleges, and universities were closed to comply with the government’s orders in light of students’ and staff’s protection.
Three years later, even though the intensity of the virus transmission has eased out dramatically, the fear still lurks around, especially in the winter months. As a result, educational institutions have raised concerns and indicated the need for adequate infrastructure for proper ventilation.
Numerous research by scientists and policy experts recommends that while in-person learning is still a risk, we can manage them.
As the winter months approach us, the risk of in-person learning increases not just because of COVID-19 – there are a couple of other reasons that contribute to bad indoor air quality in classrooms in the winter months. The key to managing the risk is improving indoor air with air purification and maintaining it.
Several reasons make up poor indoor air quality, but the primary is poor ventilation and lack of adequate air circulation. Windows and doors are sealed up due to the cold weather, leading indoor pollutants to build up and hang in classrooms for a long time.
An Air Purifier for Winter is All You Need
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CDC have rolled out strategies for improving indoor air quality in classrooms and creating a shield for students and staff alike.
Installing an air purifier for winter in classrooms is one of the highly effective strategies that eliminate indoor air pollutants and airborne viruses like COVID-19.
Research by CDC proves the effectiveness of HEPA air filters due to their ability to decrease exposure to COVID-19 aerosols by 65%, and it can go up to 99.99%.
Why Air Purification?
Air purification eliminates toxic chemicals and gases: Schools in vehicular traffic areas have an increased risk of exposure to outdoor pollutants, specifically from vehicles.
Closing doors and windows cannot prevent them and will hold other pollutants indoors. However, an air purifier can. Even if your school is not in such areas, students are still exposed to toxic chemicals released from cleaning agents, paint, disinfectants, and room fresheners.
In addition, natural pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, dust, odors, and CO2 can have negative impacts. Air purifiers, like Euromate’s, boast activated carbon and HEPA 14 filters to eliminate toxic contaminants from the environment and make it breathing-safe.
Reduces the risk of airborne viruses: Airborne diseases like cold, flu, and COVID-19 can be transmitted when a person sneezes, breathes, or coughs in the shared air.
When one student gets infected, others will get sick too. HEPA air purification technology effectively captures these viruses via a fine mesh, leaving the air virus-free with 99.99% accuracy.
Better academic performance: The presence of air purification technology in classrooms is found to increase the academic performance of students.
Reducing the C02 levels in your classroom can drastically increase concentration, a study by the EPA found that improving air quality can lead to better academic scores and enhances students’ academic performance in schools with better cognitive and concentration skills.
The bottom line is that while opening classroom windows is a low-cost strategy, it is certainly not an option in the winter months.
Therefore, installing air purifiers in classrooms is the ultimate solution to protect the health and well-being of students and staff.
Euromate has a range of certified commercial air purifiers. Reach out for more details.
