By Jason Jones
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is in May, and it presents a timely opportunity to consider the factors that influence asthma, which is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. Nearly five million American kids live with asthma today—a figure that has increased by 160% since 1980—and, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it causes an estimated 14 million missed school days annually.
While the educational impact of these absences is generally understood, what often goes overlooked is the critical connection between school facility conditions and student respiratory health. When indoor air quality (IAQ) is poor, the health of children with asthma is increasingly put at risk.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), the average American school building is 49 years old. Even more striking, more than one-third of schools have never undergone a major renovation. Outdated HVAC systems, poor ventilation, and building materials past their prime are more than just operational headaches; they contribute to indoor air that is often more polluted than the air outdoors. Dust mites, mold spores, chemical irritants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) build up in stagnant indoor environments and can have health consequences even for healthy students and staff.
Fellowes’ annual Clean Air Survey of North American Educators highlights the concern. Among educators in the U.S. and Canada, 67% rate their classroom’s air quality as “unsatisfactory.” Further, 46% of educators report that their school lacks the necessary technology to improve air quality, sometimes leading to teachers taking it upon themselves to bring portable air purifiers into their classrooms. While well-intentioned, this approach may lead to inconsistencies in air quality management, increasing the risk that improper air purification techniques are used (e.g., ozone machines) and shifting control away from the facilities team, who is best equipped to lead these efforts.
Steps Facilities Teams Can Take Today
Fortunately, improving IAQ doesn’t require a long lead time or a massive capital project. There are a number of strategic, cost-effective steps that facilities teams can implement immediately to make a measurable difference:
- Optimize Existing HVAC Systems
- Ensure filters are replaced on schedule; use MERV 13 or higher filters for better filtration of airborne particles.
- Verify that ventilation meets air change targets outlined by ASHRAE, which are calculated based on the size of a room, its use, and the number of occupants. Consider that the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends four to six air changes per hour (ACH) for classrooms.
- Do not shut off or reduce mechanical ventilation before or after school hours when building occupants may still be present.
- Control Humidity
- Monitor humidity levels throughout the building to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Address leaks and water damage promptly and inspect for hidden moisture sources.
- Improve Cleaning and Maintenance Protocols
- Switch to “green,” fragrance-free cleaning products to minimize chemical exposure. These products emit fewer total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), which are linked to respiratory irritation and other health complaints, especially in enclosed areas.
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices to reduce allergens without the use of toxic pesticides.
- Use of Air Purification Systems
- Given the average age of U.S. schools, many buildings lack mechanical ventilation systems, thereby limiting opportunities to bring in sufficient outdoor air. Advanced, four-stage air purifying systems with H13 True HEPA filters can capture 99.95% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, including allergens, dust mites, mold spores, and odors, significantly improving classroom air even in older buildings.
Future Air Quality Management (AQM) Considerations
As school districts evaluate HVAC system upgrades and replacement, it’s wise to consider also adding air purification systems that integrate with building management systems (BMS). Today’s smart, networked AQM systems work as a complement to the HVAC infrastructure to optimize IAQ in real-time while reducing energy costs.
Such systems feature sensors that continuously measure room occupancy rates, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, and localized purification devices that automatically react to sensor data to ensure optimal air quality. Featuring advanced, medical-grade True HEPA filters that capture 99.95% of airborne contaminants as small as 0.1 microns, these scalable systems provide school facilities teams with continuous air quality data and the confidence that their schools provide the cleanest, healthiest air possible.
As rates of student asthma continue to grow and schools strive to provide optimal learning environments, it’s imperative that IAQ be considered a crucial part of the puzzle. IAQ is a measurable and manageable factor that directly impacts student attendance, wellness, and overall performance. Facilities professionals are uniquely positioned to lead these efforts, transforming aging infrastructure challenges into opportunities for meaningful impact. With the right mix of planning, updated protocols, and upgrades, schools can provide healthier spaces that support the well-being of every person who walks through the door.
Jason Jones is Director of Air Quality Management at Fellowes, a fourth-generation workplace solutions corporation that specializes in the development of advanced air quality management systems.