āāāāāāāāHaving good ventilation and air filtration in schools is very important to reduce COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases that spread through the air. Improving indoor air quality also creates a healthier school environment by limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and wildfire smoke (PDF). In addition, cleaner air quality can increase student performance and attendance. Improve indoor air quality by using one or more of the following strategies:
Optimize
or Upgrade Your Mechanical Ventilation (HVAC) System
The HVAC system reduces hazards in the air by pulling in outdoor air and circulating indoor air through filters. Work with facility managers to optimize the HVAC system by reviewing the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Guidance for Ventilation. Work with indoor air quality or ventilation consultants to assess whether the HVAC system needs an upgrade.
Open Doors and Windows (Natural Ventilation)
While natural ventilation can be an important tool to improve air quality, it is not as easy to control as mechanical ventilation. Opening windows and hallway doors on opposite sides of the room creates a cross draft which is the best way to naturally introduce outside air. Use carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors to determine if enough outdoor air is being brought into a classroom from natural or mechanical ventilation. Levels above 800 parts per million (ppm) CO2 can indicate more outdoor air is needed.
Add Portable Air Cleaning Devices (PACs)
Place portable
air cleaning devices in classrooms (PDF) to supplement mechanical
and natural ventilation. PACs are recommended to be used during wildfire smoke
events when windows anāād doors need to be closed and outdoor air quality is
poor. Purchase PACs that are sized
appropriately and circulate air through High Efficiency Particulate Air or
āHEPAā filters. HEPA filters remove infectious particles by filtering
them out of the air. Avoid devices that advertise ionizer, ozone, or other
cleaning methods that add chemicals to the air. Alternatively, a
low-cost DIY PAC can be built and added to classrooms as a temporary alternative
but not for permanent use. ā
For more detailed information on improving indoor air quality, review the CDPH Guidance for Ventilation.ā
Resources