CLEAIR

As schools opened last year post-COVID-19, with rumours of a new strain and its infectious spread given the cold weather conditions, there are valid fears parents face when it comes to sending children to school. Many buildings in India house schools and small spaces, and even where there are sprawling campuses, there is a risk of surface spread. This is not just for COVID-19 but a larger safety net against viruses like measles, allergens, or even eye infections that are common among children.

With studies that prove that these viruses and bacteria spread faster and are worse indoors, there is a pressing need to main air quality while filtering out pollutants, germs, microbial particles and allergens, says a leading mechanical fresh air ventilation system for home expert.

Opening doors and windows:

Natural ventilation through the opening of doors and windows is a great way to ventilate, except that it is not so great given the outdoor air quality these days. Over the years, excessive urbanisation, pollution and industrialisation have given rise to bad-quality of air. Also the opening of windows also directly affects the indoor temperature of spaces, especially in schools, where children need to be in a comfortable environment to learn better.

Many schools in India have been installing air conditioning and fresh air systems in their buildings and classrooms to keep the environment healthy, germ-free and air fresher.

We have also witnessed a spike in the installation of wet & dry central vacuum cleaners in educational institutions post-COVID-19 since some models have been proven to be highly efficient in keeping up with the sanitisation and cleaning norms, says an expert.

The pandemic has resulted in some permanent changes with respect to sanitation, cleanliness and the way we view safety. That said, pandemic or no pandemic, schools can be greatly benefitted from a full-fledged mechanical ventilation system.

Why ventilation is important in schools

Schools in India are buildings that house a large number of children, and the age of the buildings are varying. Principals and management of schools have been assuring parents and authorities that all precautions have been taken to brace for the challenges that school reopening is facing today. However, having a central ventilation system in schools has more advantages than just the ones that meet the eye. At the outset, it helps protect the health and well-being of students and teachers who are in a shared space for a long period of time.

Further, it also helps in the following crucial aspects:

Concentration and productivity:

A study shows that poor air quality directly affects children’s concentration and grasping levels. Higher levels of toxins and volatile organic compounds in the air are known to cause a deficiency in the attention spans of younger children. Exposure to some pollutants can also cause lethargy, drowsiness and irritation of the nasal tract. Schools that are in areas abutting fields or forests and open areas may also be prone to pollen and allergens. These cause watery eyes, irritation of throat or hives in children. A good ventilation system will filter out all allergens, pollutants and VOCs thus keeping the air quality optimal. This ensures children have a clean environment to learn, where they can study better.

Air quality:

A dynamic mechanical ventilation system makes sure that air changes are monitored constantly, and set air quality indexes are within range. The fresh air ventilation system extracts stale air from the indoor hallways, classrooms and laboratories. It then conditions the air for the right temperature, and humidity and purifies it to make it cleaner and germ-free. This makes the air fresher, breathable and cleaner for children and teachers in the school.

VOCs and pollutants:

Schools are located in accessible locations, making them susceptible to the urban air issues of pollution, dust and other volatile organic compounds. Historically we are well aware of how certain noxious elements like lead can cause degeneration of tissue, and a decrease in brain function apart from making us uncomfortable and restricted in motion. These affect children and young adults more, and symptoms include excessive fatigue, drowsiness or a lack of concentration.

Air filtration:

Mechanical fresh air systems have inbuilt demand-controlled ventilation units that contain filters, that filter out the air that is being exhausted and that which comes indoors. HEPA filters are proven to filter out tiny microscopic microbes including the covid genre of viruses.

It is a misconception that fresh air can be brought in only through natural means by opening doors or windows. Ventilation today has changed form, and it is important that we incorporate ventilation systems in our schools and give our children a healthy, clean learning environment. Cleair is an authorised dealer of fresh air and residential & Industrial central vacuum systems based out of Hyderabad, India. We are the authorised distributors of Drainvac and Renson, world leaders in clean air and vacuum technology. Reach out for customised fresh air and vacuum solutions for all your home, office and industrial needs