School Air Quality GuideFor Parents & Teachers 2026
Children spend 30+ hours weekly in classrooms. Poor ventilation affects learning, health, and illness transmission. Here's what you need to know.
School Air Quality Impact
Why School Air Quality Matters
Learning & Cognitive Function
Harvard research shows cognitive function drops significantly when CO2 exceeds 1,000 ppm. At 2,500 ppm (common in poorly ventilated classrooms), decision-making ability can drop by 50%.
Illness Transmission
Respiratory illnesses spread through airborne particles. Classrooms with poor ventilation have higher rates of colds, flu, and COVID. HEPA purifiers reduce airborne virus load by 90%+.
Asthma & Allergies
1 in 11 UK children has asthma. Classroom allergens (dust, mold, pollen) trigger symptoms. HEPA air purification removes these particles, helping asthmatic children stay well.
For Parents: Taking Action
1. Ask About Ventilation Policy
Request information about your school's ventilation approach. Do they have CO2 monitors? What's their target level? How often are windows opened?
2. Request Air Purifiers for High-Risk Children
If your child has asthma or is immunocompromised, request HEPA purifiers in their classroom. Schools may accommodate this as a reasonable adjustment.
3. Join or Form a Parents' Group
Collective parent voice is powerful. Advocate for CO2 monitoring, ventilation improvements, or fundraise for classroom air purifiers.
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For Teachers: Practical Steps
1. Use CO2 Monitors
If your school has CO2 monitors, use them actively. Open windows when levels exceed 800-1000 ppm. Even 5 minutes of ventilation significantly reduces CO2.
2. Cross-Ventilate When Possible
Open windows on opposite sides of the room to create airflow. Even small openings make a difference. Brief "flush" ventilation during breaks is effective.
3. Request Portable HEPA Purifiers
Ask your school to provide HEPA purifiers for classrooms. They supplement ventilation and are especially valuable in rooms with poor natural airflow.
UK Regulations & Guidance
UK Building Bulletin 101 (BB101) sets ventilation standards for schools:
- • CO2 limit: Average should not exceed 1,500 ppm
- • Fresh air: Minimum 8 litres/second per person
- • Temperature: 18-21°C for teaching spaces
Many older UK schools fail to meet these standards. The government has funded CO2 monitors, but ventilation improvements remain underfunded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does classroom air quality affect learning?
Yes, studies show high CO2 and poor ventilation reduce cognitive performance by 15-50%. Well-ventilated classrooms improve test scores, attendance, and reduce illness transmission.
What CO2 level is acceptable in schools?
UK BB101 guidelines recommend classroom CO2 below 1,500 ppm. Above 1,000 ppm, cognitive function starts to decline. Many classrooms regularly exceed 2,000+ ppm, especially in winter.
Should schools have air purifiers?
HEPA air purifiers can reduce airborne viruses by 90%+ and remove allergens affecting children with asthma. They supplement but don't replace adequate ventilation.
How can parents check school air quality?
Ask your school about their ventilation policy and CO2 monitoring. Many schools received CO2 monitors post-COVID. Request results or suggest purchasing monitors if none exist.
What can teachers do to improve classroom air?
Open windows regularly (even briefly in cold weather), use CO2 monitors to guide ventilation, request HEPA purifiers for high-risk children, and report ventilation problems to management.
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