Even as COVID-19 variants continue to cause unease for Americans, the number of cases has dropped in the US. As people return to the workplace, employers, business owners, and building managers focus on creating safe indoor environments.
But what about students? As students return to class, fixing school indoor air quality (IAQ) is more important now than ever in the past.
Importance of clean air
Clean air is important, not just for larger health threats, like COVID-19, but also for daily irritants, such as particles and allergens.
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 particles can cause health issues, such as heart and lung disease
For example, daily exposure to asthma triggers, including dust, mold, and even cleaners and disinfectants can trigger asthma attacks in children. These indoor pollutants cause classroom disruption and absenteeism that negatively impacts learning.
Teachers and other staff remain at risk too. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 particles can cause health issues, such as heart and lung disease. Fixing school indoor air quality is a step towards creating a healthier environment for all.
Get help with fixing school indoor air quality (IAQ)
Poor ventilation in school buildings and overcrowded classrooms contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Many schools are located close to roads and highways with heavy traffic. This also adds to the problem and makes fixing school IAQ a priority. Many schools did not take advantage of the federal funds provided for in the Cares Act and other legislation designed to improve IAQ.
Now, the ‘Building Better School Infrastructure’ plan provides assistance to schools in improving the indoor air quality (IAQ), but administrators need to make the most of it. To that end, WTI | Pure Air Solutions provide the services and methods needed to fix school IAQ.
Know the baselines before fixing school IAQ
To take on the challenge of fixing school IAQ, it’s important to get a measure of indoor environmental conditions. This includes both the building and the HVAC system. The Building Health Check is a way to do this. It includes an evaluation of conditions based on HVAC zones and includes mold assessments and allergen screenings.
It also includes the testing of surface samples, and the measuring of temperature, relative humidity, and wall moisture. Once collected and analyzed, a detailed report gives facilities managers the information needed to fix school IAQ issues.
HVAC Hygiene Assessment
In addition to the health check, an HVAC Hygiene Assessment is another way to help fix school IAQ
In addition to the health check, an HVAC Hygiene Assessment is another way to help fix school IAQ. It includes a visual inspection of the system, as well as the collection of samples from the air handling unit (AHU). Performance testing is also done to determine the impact of the system on IAQ.
Keep it clean
After a diagnosis of IAQ problems, remediation begins. This includes a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the HVAC system. The Building Remediation Sciences services include methods such as PURE-Steam to clean the entire AHU, including the coils. The system uses steam heated to temperatures up to 350° F to disinfect and kill mold and bacteria, while also removing allergens and odors.
PURE-Duct is a hygienic cleaning method that gets deep inside the ductwork to help fix school IAQ. It uses specialized equipment that delivers high-pressure air turbulence, to knock out dirt and debris, which is removed by an industrial-strength vacuum system equipped with a HEPA filter.
Go beyond clean, restore HVAC
Any system benefits from hygienic cleaning. However, restoration is an effective way to return the system to like-new condition. For example, the New Life Restoration system includes PURE-Steam and PURE-Duct, but also PURE-Coat and PURE-Coil to protect the AHU and coil, respectively.
Fixing school IAQ also includes options for replacing parts, such as outside air dampers, fans, motors
PURE-Cell insulation replaces fiberglass to better repel moisture. Fixing school IAQ also includes options for replacing parts, such as outside air dampers, fans, motors, and compressors.
IAQ Guard 2.0 monitoring system
After fixing school indoor air quality, monitoring is important to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Towards that end, the IAQ Guard 2.0 monitoring system provides around-the-clock surveillance of indoor conditions. This service uses sensors to measure temperature and relative humidity and the presence and levels of CO2 and other gases.
It also measures total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and particulate matter levels. The sensor provides this data in real time, while a remote team watches for any changes affecting IAQ. IAQ Guard helps schools fix and maintain IAQ. It also assists any business in meeting ASHRAE, LEED, and OSHA standards.
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to protect against future outbreaks, administrators must focus on fixing school IAQ.