Why Is It Important to Monitor and Improve Air Quality in School Environments?
- uBreathe
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Air quality plays a critical role in health and productivity, yet it is often overlooked in schools and offices. In India, where urbanization and industrialization are rapidly escalating, the issue of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has become increasingly alarming.
Over 60% of schools in India lack air filtration systems, leaving students exposed to harmful indoor pollutants.
Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality in Schools
Children are especially vulnerable to poor air quality. Just recently, Delhi hit a staggering Air Quality Index (AQI) of 800+ in November 2024, placing itself in the "hazardous" category. This alarming level of air pollution prompted emergency measures like the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stages 3 and 4, which led to the closure of schools and the shifting of classes to online mode.
Such hazardous conditions expose millions of children to the risks of chronic respiratory issues, heart diseases, and impaired cognitive functions.
Impact of Poor Air Quality in Schools on Health-
Respiratory Problems:
Children are more vulnerable to air pollution and developing respiratory issues such as Coughing, Headache, Asthma, etc. because their lungs are still developing.
Increased Absenteeism:
Poor air quality is linked to higher rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases, leading to frequent absenteeism in school.
Image via https://www.up.ac.za/ Reduced Cognitive Function:
Continuous exposure to pollutants and polluted environments adversely affects memory, attention, and learning in children. In polluted Indian cities, this could lead to measurable declines in academic performance.
Behavioral Issues:
Polluted air is associated with neuroinflammation, which can cause anxiety, mood swings, and irritability among students, negatively affecting classroom behavior.
Key Measures for a Healthier Environment
Air Purification Systems-
Schools should install Air Purifiers inside the facility to promote a healthier indoor environment to improve concentration and better productivity at schools.
uBreathe provides a very innovative solution via its unique "Patented Breathing Roots Technology" to kill all gaseous pollutants such as COx, NOx, SOx, TVOCs, PM2.5 & PM10.
Plus, schools can customize uBreathe's products via uBreathe solutions to meet the specific needs of their school space. Whether you want to focus on air filtration, enhance aesthetics with plants, or both, you have the flexibility to create an environment that works for everyone.
Ventilation Upgrades-
Encourage cross-ventilation by designing classrooms with windows on opposite walls, especially in rural or less urbanized areas where outdoor air quality may be better.
Indoor Greenery-
Create green walls or dense tree covers around schools to block pollutants from nearby roads or industrial areas.
Regular Monitoring and Maintenance-
If the school budget allows, then install air quality sensors to monitor levels of PM2.5, CO2, and other pollutants in real time. Alerts can prompt immediate actions such as closing windows or activating air purifiers during high-pollution periods.
Addressing air quality in schools is vital for safeguarding the health and future of India’s youth. Implementing measures such as installing air purifiers, improving ventilation systems, and introducing greenery within school premises can help mitigate these impacts. Moreover, policies to regulate nearby industrial emissions and encourage eco-friendly commuting are essential for sustainable change.
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