Air Quality Affects Schools
One of the most important questions to ask is how poor air quality affects schools. The results of a study by the U.S. Department of Education found that children in U.S. schools suffer from an average of five times higher levels of air pollution than students in low-poverty areas. The results show that children in these areas suffer from a number of health problems, including asthma, allergies, and impaired cognition. The findings are alarming, and the educational community should act to protect children from these risks.
It is well known that poor air quality affects children the most, but it also affects teachers. In fact, 80% of teachers say that poor indoor air quality reduces their ability to teach. A healthy indoor environment is important for teacher retention. In addition, poor air quality can lead to a school’s closure, which can be a major setback for the school. It can also cause negative publicity and strain relationships with community members, which can damage a school’s reputation. Furthermore, improper indoor-air maintenance can lead to lower HVAC equipment lifespan and higher utility costs.
Why Is Air Quality in Schools So Bad
In order to prevent these health consequences, school officials should avoid building new schools near highways. California recently banned construction of new schools within 500 feet of freeways, but there are still more than 8,000 schools within 500 feet of these heavily traveled roads. Additionally, school officials should make sure classrooms have air filters in them and ensure that they are equipped with proper ventilation. These steps can improve the health of students and help to decrease the test-score gap in California.
How Poor Air Quality Affects Schools
Insufficient ventilation and air circulation in classrooms has a negative effect on the learning process. As students breathe in more air, they are more likely to experience a higher incidence of asthma. Moreover, students are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections if their environment is polluted. This means that schools with poor air quality should take steps to improve their indoor environments. And if funding is not available, small adjustments can have a significant impact on the health of students.
According to a study, children who live in schools with poor air quality are more likely to develop asthma. A high level of carbon dioxide in the classroom can also decrease cognitive output. This has been shown to decrease the concentration of oxygen in the blood and thus, lower levels of carbon dioxide in the classrooms. However, it is important to note that children’s cognitive abilities are directly linked to their indoor air quality.
The study shows that children in school buildings with poor air quality have higher chances of developing respiratory disorders and a lower likelihood of passing exams. In addition, schoolchildren in the Bay Area are more likely to suffer from asthma than students in the Central Valley. The study also shows that there is a correlation between air quality and academic achievement. In fact, research has shown that students who are exposed to bad air during the day are less likely to pass exams.
