Considering how often children are unknowingly exposed to inferior indoor air quality in schools, it is important to consider its potential effects on their academic performance.
With several factors impacting indoor air quality, there are different environmental irritants to consider, many of which may worsen at various times of the year. Some potentially problematic areas in schools include:
- Leaky roofs – Over time, leaks can cause mold to form, releasing mold spores into the air and throughout the school.
- Cleaning chemicals – If a school still uses conventional cleaning chemicals, these can contain toxins or irritants.
- Vehicle exhaust – For schools located in high-traffic areas, vehicle fumes can drift into open windows or doors. This can also be a problem where buses or cars in the pickup/drop off line are left idling near schools.
If you would like more information on how air quality can affect academic performance, contact our St. Louis heating & air conditioning experts today!
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality Impacting Academic Performance
There are a variety of symptoms children show or complain about when affected by poor indoor air quality as well as higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in their classrooms. This can affect their academic performance, as well as present the following issues:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Lack of attention
- Asthma and allergies
- Excess absenteeism
It should also be noted that students are not the only ones who suffer through their academic performance. Teachers also suffer, which can result in reduced productivity and retention within the schools due to poor indoor air quality.
Solutions for Mitigating Poor Indoor Air Quality & Improving Academic Performance
When it comes to dealing with indoor air quality problems in schools, there are a variety of steps you can take. For example, it is important to hire expert technicians who can conduct regular checks on a school’s current HVAC systems as well as the ventilation system, to make sure they are well maintained and to check for any problems with the system. Schools may also want to consider installing additional HVAC systems such as air purifiers and air cleaners that can help eliminate the allergens and particulates that impact children’s academic performance.
In the St. Louis area, contact the experts at Galmiche & Sons to schedule a complete evaluation of the indoor air quality in your school. Once we have our findings, we will create a detailed report showing what the problem areas are and what can be done to rectify the situation, and improve the school’s indoor air quality.
Often, administrators worry these kinds of checks will mean more expense. However, an efficient system can actually end up saving money in the long run because an efficient HVAC system means more efficient heating and cooling. Therefore, with our professionals available to diagnose and tend to indoor air quality problems, there is no reason for students’ academic performance to suffer because of it.
Learn More About the Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Academic Performance
If you would like more information on how indoor air quality affects academic performance for students in the St. Louis area, contact our heating & air conditioning company today!
