What to know about indoor air quality monitors for schools

Why is indoor air quality in schools important?

The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, so the air inside spaces like schools and workplaces must be as clean as possible. Excess exposure to common pollutants like carbon dioxide, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and mold spores can cause serious health issues over time. This is of particular concern when we consider levels of pollutants indoors are often 2 – 5 times higher than outdoors. The issues with poor IAQ are arguably more impactful in educational settings, as children’s developing lungs and brains are especially vulnerable to air pollution. 

Improving IAQ via indoor air quality monitoring in schools can help administrators reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Build-ups of mold, moisture and fine particulate matter can damage school buildings and HVAC systems, though this can be mitigated if IAQ metrics are regularly monitored.

IAQ can also factor into regulatory compliance requirements. While there are no federal requirements for air quality monitoring in classrooms, many state-specific laws define guidelines for safe IAQ in school settings. For example, Connecticut General Statutes § 10 – 220 requires ​“boards of education to inspect and evaluate indoor air quality in schools annually using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program”. Failure to comply with such standards can result in fines and charges.

Negative consequences of poor IAQ

Negative consequences associated with poor IAQ include:

• Respiratory problems: Poor IAQ can have significant impacts on respiratory health, especially in children, while also worsening the effects of chronic conditions like asthma.
• Cardiovascular issues: Long-term exposure to common indoor air pollutants has been linked to increased blood platelets, a risk factor for clotting and increased blood pressure.
• Mold growth: High humidity levels caused by poor IAQ promote mold growth, which can increase risks like respiratory infections, allergic reactions and damage to school infrastructure.
• Cognitive impairment: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide can cause drowsiness and cognitive impairments, impacting students’ concentration and academic performance.
• Increased absenteeism: Health issues related to poor IAQ like asthma can lead to higher rates of absenteeism.
• Structural damage: Excess moisture and mold can cause significant damage to school buildings, increasing repair and maintenance costs.

What causes indoor air quality issues in schools?

Maintaining safe IAQ in any highly populated environment can be difficult, with multiple potential sources of pollution needing to be addressed continuously. Key factors like occupancy, outdoor pollution, HVAC maintenance and financial constraints must all be carefully considered, though schools in particular can face several unique challenges. 

Below are some common challenges schools face in maintaining good air quality.

• Outdated school buildings: 40% of US school buildings were built before 1970, with the design criteria of the time prioritizing insulation over ventilation. This can cause problems with pollutants accumulating inside, especially in urban areas where higher levels of pollutants are often detected.
• High occupancy levels: The more people in a room, the more carbon dioxide will be present, a pollutant that can impair cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that CO2 levels in classrooms can be as high as 3000 ppm, which is 2000 ppm higher than the minimum threshold for safe IAQ.
• Poor HVAC systems: A 2020 study found as many as 36,000 K‑12 public schools to be running outdated or damaged HVAC systems. For many schools, especially those built pre-1970, failure to maintain HVAC infrastructure can lead to significant build-ups of harmful pollutants.
• Outdoor pollution: Pollutants from nearby outdoor sources like busy roads, industrial buildings and agricultural processes can make their way into school buildings through open windows and poorly maintained air filters, contributing to poor IAQ in classrooms and communal areas.
• Maintenance and budget constraints: Data published in 2020 suggests US schools may be underfunded by as much as $150 billion per year. Schools with limited budgets may struggle to pay the price for IAQ monitors for schools and fund repairs and maintenance for HVAC systems, air filters and other IAQ-related infrastructure.
• Humidity and temperature control: Maintaining consistent humidity and temperature levels in large school buildings can be difficult, especially as occupancy levels fluctuate throughout the day. Excess heat and humidity promote mold growth, which can contribute to health issues when inhaled.
• Lack of awareness and training: School staff may not understand the importance of IAQ, or how to follow precautions to maintain safe air quality, without IAQ monitors for schools.

How IAQ monitors for schools improve indoor air quality

Accurately and consistently monitoring IAQ in schools can be challenging. Administrators can reduce the impact of poor IAQ by ensuring HVAC systems are well-maintained and trying to facilitate consistent temperature and humidity levels. However, poor IAQ is often only noticed when it begins to affect people.

To reliably gauge the impact of preventative measures, and to help staff respond to IAQ events as quickly as possible, administrators should consider the benefits of indoor air quality monitors for schools. 

What are indoor air quality monitors for schools?

Indoor air quality monitors for schools are physical devices that use one or more sensors to analyze the air quality in their immediate environment. Internal sensors are configured to measure levels of harmful pollutants and contaminants present in the air. This data is then sent to a central management platform for viewing and recording. If levels surpass safe thresholds, operators are alerted and further actions can be programmed.

A typical IAQ monitor for schools will be configured to trigger audible alarms if harmful levels of pollutants are detected, with instant alerts sent to staff via SMS or email messages. Administrators can set custom thresholds for alerts within the system’s operating software, as well as develop further integrations with additional security and safety technologies depending on the compatibility of the equipment.

Key features of IAQ monitors for schools

Key features of indoor air quality monitors for schools include:

• Multiple sensors: The best IAQ monitors for schools contain multiple types of sensors designed to detect various common pollutants like carbon dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds.
• Real-time alerts: If levels of a target pollutant surpass a predetermined threshold, real-time alerts can be sent to staff warning of the event and recommending a suitable response.
• Data logging and analysis: Continuously recorded air quality data can be logged in a connected management system, enabling staff to generate reports that can be used to inform improvements.

What can IAQ monitors detect?

IAQ monitors can detect a range of common pollutants associated with poor IAQ, including:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2): CO2 accumulates indoors when large groups of people share the same space. CO2 pollution can cause headaches, drowsiness, confusion and elevated blood pressure.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are emitted from common cleaning and finishing products like disinfectants, varnishes and paints. Excess exposure to VOCs has been linked to serious health issues including liver, kidney and nervous system damage.
• Particulate Matter (PM): IAQ monitors for schools can detect fine particles suspended in the air like dust, soot and pollen, all of which can cause respiratory problems if inhaled consistently.
• Humidity and temperature: The best IAQ monitors for schools can track humidity and temperature, which can help prevent the growth of mold and aid staff in maintaining comfortable classrooms for students. 

Some advanced indoor air quality monitors for schools also contain additional sensors to detect wider safety and security risks. Examples include sound, occupancy, fire, THC/​nicotine and vape sensors.

How to choose the best indoor air quality monitor for schools

Multiple factors must be considered when choosing effective IAQ monitors for schools. Devices must be sensitive enough to detect common pollutants and be compatible with existing technologies to help staff develop useful integrations. Below are some key features to look for in the best IAQ monitors for schools.

• Accuracy: Sensors must be accurate enough to detect the smallest of common pollutants, with some as small as 0.1 microns in size.
• Integration capabilities: Look for IAQ monitors that can be integrated into existing safety technologies and school security systems to enable automated responses, such as security cameras. For example, positive alarms could instantly trigger IP security cameras to focus on the area where the alarm was set off.
• Sensor types: The best indoor air quality monitors will contain multiple sensor types with different functionalities. Prioritize devices that can detect common pollutants like CO2, VOCs, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM, as well as THC, nicotine, vape aerosols and environmental factors like noise.
• Ease of use: Choosing monitors that are easy to install, program, and adjust will help staff use them most effectively. Ensure that chosen devices come with easy-to-use software.
• Analytics and reporting: Look for IAQ monitors with features like real-time alerts, built-in analytics tools, data recording and reporting functions to provide a comprehensive view of IAQ metrics.
• Scalability: Solutions that can be easily scaled, with new devices able to be connected to the same management system, help ensure installations will remain effective as needs change.
• Maintenance and support: Consider the level of ongoing maintenance and support provided by the manufacturer. A good IAQ monitor provider will offer ongoing customer support and assistance.
• Cost: Schools can mitigate the price of an IAQ monitor for schools by exploring external funding opportunities like federal or charitable grant programs.

Enhance school air quality with the HALO Smart Sensor

The HALO Smart Sensor is a multi-award-winning, all-in-one indoor air quality monitor for schools, capable of detecting a wide range of air quality concerns in schools. Its 12 sensors help schools, security staff and school administrators stay ahead of potential threats by monitoring a wide range of air quality and environmental factors. These include but are not restricted to:

• Ammonia (NH3), NO2, carbon monoxide (CO) and CO2
• Humidity
• Temperature
• VOCs
• Particulates
• Chemicals

Through the continuous analysis of air quality data, the HALO Smart Sensor provides actionable intelligence that helps school staff make decisions to maintain a safer, healthier environment for students and staff. 

Beyond air quality, the HALO Smart Sensor can also detect vaping, smoke, panic alarms and sounds, adding a layer of physical security without compromising privacy. This makes this indoor air quality monitor for schools ideal for installation in spaces where video and audio recording isn’t permitted, such as bathrooms and locker rooms.

Additionally, this smart IAQ monitor for schools integrates seamlessly with wider security technologies, including school CCTV, access control and alarms, to enhance situational awareness and initiate faster incident responses.

How to successfully implement IAQ monitors in schools

Choosing the right type of IAQ monitors is only part of the equation when it comes to addressing IAQ issues. Below is a quick guide on how to effectively implement and use indoor air quality monitors and sensors for schools.

1. Conduct indoor air quality tests

To identify the most appropriate areas for IAQ monitors to be installed, stakeholders will need to assess the air quality in high-risk locations. Begin by identifying areas most likely to be affected by IAQ issues, including classrooms, bathrooms, offices, maintenance rooms and cafeterias, then conduct preliminary tests to find out which pollutants are present.

External companies can be hired to conduct air quality tests, or admins could hire handheld IAQ monitors to perform tests themselves. Alternatively, the school may have recent records on file regarding previous IAQ issues which could be referenced to inform new developments.

2. Plan the installation

Assess the layout of the school and use the findings of preliminary tests to determine ideal locations for IAQ monitors. Typical areas include classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, hallways, libraries, bathrooms and staff rooms. When deciding on locations, make sure chosen IAQ monitors can provide the necessary coverage and have appropriate sensors capable of detecting the pollutants identified in the previous step.

Other factors to consider include making sure power supplies are readily available, installing monitors in suitable proximity to other technologies for integrations and ensuring devices can be accessed by maintenance personnel when required. If IAQ monitors for schools are to be installed in areas accessible to students, it’s wise to choose devices with anti-vandal features and durable cases.

3. Position monitors carefully

For IAQ monitors to be effective, they should be installed at head height and in keeping with the natural airflow of the room. This will increase the likelihood of pollutants passing through the device under normal conditions. It’s also wise to choose installation positions away from windows and doors that are frequently opened and closed, as readings can sometimes be skewed by changing environmental circumstances. 

4. Provide staff training

Staff will need to be taught how IAQ monitors work and what to do if alarms are triggered. IAQ monitors for schools provide a general overview of air quality, as represented by an Air Quality Index (AQI) score ranging from 0 – 500, with any value over 100 considered a cause for concern.

Staff should be taught how to clean installed monitors, how to reset systems after positive alarms and how to access management systems to view IAQ data as and when required. Training must also cover suitable responses to different types of IAQ events, including how to safely evacuate students, activate ventilation systems and compile reports to inform future improvements.

5. Make continuous improvements

The performance of IAQ monitors for schools should be assessed regularly to ensure the installation is working as intended and to help staff identify potential areas for improvement. Devices should be checked for damage and blockages, false alarms should be investigated and reports should be reviewed to gain a deeper understanding of average IAQ metrics.

Admins should also remain informed of new developments in IAQ monitoring technology, to update hardware and software solutions over time. 

6. Engage with the school community

As indoor air quality monitors are implemented, make sure to keep students, parents and staff informed about the importance of air quality and the steps that are being taken to improve it. This transparency helps create a shared commitment to maintaining good clean air and a healthy learning environment. 

By following these steps, admins can effectively implement IAQ monitors for schools to enhance air quality, improve learning outcomes, and demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the community.

Key takeaways

Maintaining safe air quality in schools is crucial for facilitating a healthy environment conducive to learning. Common pollutants found in poorly ventilated air can harm students’ health, impact their academic performance and limit their learning potential, ultimately causing long-term damage to local communities.

These issues can be mitigated by choosing to address and continuously improve IAQ with the support of indoor air quality monitors for schools, such as the HALO Smart Sensor. Provided administrators take the time to consider the information covered in this guide, effective, long-lasting and adaptable IAQ monitoring solutions can be developed.