When the pandemic struck the global economy, multiple research studies surfaced on the internet, suggesting that the major cause of virus transmission was via surface contamination or inhaling large respiratory droplets exhaled by the infected person while coughing or sneezing.
However, there has been a new discovery that has added to the previous research. The new finding proposes that virus particles also transmit through long-range spread via bioaerosols. These are microdroplets of size smaller than 5 micrometers, and according to the study, these droplets become suspended in the air for longer than expected.
It indicates the fact that indoor air quality is crucial, specifically in classrooms. Not only does good indoor air quality led to a favorable breathing environment by eliminating suspended particles, but it maintains temperature and humidity in crowded classrooms.
The question, however, arises about how to improve indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency and CDC emphasized the importance of ventilation to improve indoor air quality, prevent surface contamination, and remove suspended COVID-19 particles.
Adequate ventilation plays a crucial role because it dilutes the concentration of suspended particles and captures other air pollutants.
Many Australian schools are currently addressing the problem of indoor air quality with natural ventilation solutions; however, is teaching with open windows enough? It is not.
The regulatory bodies have advised schools to properly ventilate classrooms for the mitigation of virus transmission; however, the practice of opening windows while teaching won’t suffice. There are quite a few disadvantages of natural ventilation, which are discussed as under:
Ineffective in extreme climate conditions
The natural ventilation system in school buildings becomes ineffective in colder climates. We know that winters in Australia can be harsh, with windy days and frosty evenings, and the weather can only add to the discomfort of pupils.
It can also become an added threat to students’ health and safety. Many teachers have reported that opening windows, as per the guidelines by the government, resulted in shivering even with coats and jackets on. This way, they have to continue education in a risky environment.
Does not capture airborne particles
Natural ventilation improves indoor air quality by diluting the concentration level of airborne particles. However, it does not capture them. In addition to that, opening windows also gives way to outdoor air pollutants in the room, which include dirt, soot, and smoke particles. These are equally dangerous for the health of students and teachers alike.
Leads way for allergens and pollutants
Natural ventilation is indeed crucial in highly occupant spaces such as classrooms. However, it also leads the way for unwelcomed guests from the outdoor air. Opening the windows means you are opening a way for allergens and other pollutants, which can further degrade the quality of indoor air.
What is the solution?
Improving ventilation in homes and schools is only the first step to upgrading the quality of indoor air at an optimum level. However, to ensure a clean, safe and hygienic breathing environment, natural ventilation and air purification technology go hand in hand.
The role of air cleaners in improving ventilation in homes and schools has been neglected for quite some time; however, with a surge in active COVID cases, many people in countries like Germany, the UK, and Australia have integrated classrooms with air purification technology.
Not only does a professional and smartly-designed air purifier improve indoor air quality with several air exchanges per hour, but it also eliminates suspended particles and other contaminants.
Euromate’s air purifiers improve indoor air quality in schools
Euromate Pure Air has been in the air purification industry for more than 45 years. We have built our reputation on the basis of our innovative approach to introducing air purification technology so that everyone can lead their lives in a secure and healthy environment.
Our VisionAir Blue Line and Pure Air Shield (PAS) 3300 are two of the smartest and most innovative systems for improved ventilation in homes, offices and classrooms. Both air purifiers feature HEPA filters to capture air contaminants and other pollutants through a fine mesh with more than 99 per cent efficiency, leaving a safe and fresh environment to breathe in.
They also come in a portable version for added convenience, specifically in classrooms. There are multiple air exchanges every hour to circulate fresh air in the room, maintaining continuous airflow. Unlike natural ventilation that disrupts the educational environment with outdoor noise, our air purification technology has a quieter operation for seamless educational activities.
If you want to know more about our air purifiers, reach out to us.
