Ventilating our classrooms is more important than ever. But why is this so necessary?
Air pollution can have both short-term and long-term effects on health, performance and physical or psychological well-being. Different aspects of the indoor environment, such as temperature, humidity, particulate matter and carbon dioxide, can affect how quickly infections spread. They also affect children's performance in the classroom, causing fatigue, loss of focus and lower productivity. In some more sensitive groups, these aspects can even exacerbate pre-existing conditions or cause serious health problems. These include respiratory symptoms, fatigue, allergies, mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation, skin irritation, headaches and dizziness.
The importance of ventilation
When we breathe, talk, cough or sneeze, we emit a larger or smaller number of small water droplets into the air we exhale. The larger droplets fall quickly onto surfaces on the ground; the finer droplets, on the other hand, remain suspended in the air for several hours. They are also referred to as the "aerosols." Ventilation ensures that the air is continuously refreshed. The more intensive and regular the ventilation, the lower the risk of spreading any viruses or microbes.
When the CO2 concentration is less than 900 ppm (or 500 ppm above the outside concentration), the room is considered well ventilated. The higher the intensity of activity in the room, the higher the production of CO2 and aerosols in the air.
What is a CO2 meter?
A CO2 meter is a device that measures the concentration of CO2 in a given room. By measuring this level, it makes it possible to detect the exceeding of the threshold above which the air in the room is required to be changed.
What are the legal requirements that a CO2 meter must meet?
- The meter must measure CO2 concentration directly or comply with standard EN 50543
- It must have a CO2 measurement range of 0 to minimum 2,000 ppm
- It is designed to be recalibrated to compensate for measurement deviations, according to the procedures described by the manufacturer in the technical manual of the measuring device
- The meter can measure CO2 concentration with a maximum measurement error of 10%
- It must be delivered with a technical manual that specifies the installation conditions to correctly measure CO2 concentration in a given room
How do you handle this?
First, do a risk analysis. Figure out the best way for your school to ventilate and vent. To do this, take into account:
- The air quality
- The impact of extra ventilation on the thermal and acoustic comfort of students and staff
- The possible increased risk of falling by keeping the windows open
Next, find the best way to ventilate. This can be through a mechanical ventilation system or grille, or by keeping windows open or tilted. It is important then that windows/doors on opposite sides of the room are opened. (Or possibly a window on one side and the door on the other).
How to operate a CO2 meter
Most devices are easy to operate, but it is best to go through the manual. First, the device must calibrate itself. With some devices this happens automatically and you only have to make sure that the device can calibrate in the right conditions. Other devices require manual calibration.
Looking for solutions? Discover our I3CAIR
Our i3CAIR is a simple solution for monitoring, signaling and reporting indoor air quality. The device accurately measures temperature, humidity and CO2 levels and particles. When action needs to be taken you receive an alert.
The i3CAIR is a plug&play extension to an i3TOUCH display. Via USB, you connect it to the i3TOUCH display and receive detailed information.
Sources: Health Belgium and Education Flanders