Children are among those affected most by air pollution. They breathe more rapidly than adults and so absorb more pollutants, plus they have smaller airways. Additionally, they suffer from more respiratory infections than adults, making them more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. A study* by Airflow has shown that more than a million UK children are being educated in areas with high levels of harmful air pollution. Poor classroom air quality can have a huge impact on school children’s behaviour, concentration and overall health.
Removal of toxic air
With up to 30 pupils in one room, you can only begin to imagine how polluted the air quality is. The importance of effective ventilation is paramount, not just to improve the quality of air, but to aid studying, as documented in BB101 (Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in schools). The build-up of pollutants and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) contribute to highly polluted air that is inhaled by students and teachers. Cleaning products, sprays and glue are just some of the contributors to the poor atmosphere trapped in classrooms. Installing a ventilation system can help reduce the pollutant build up by removing toxic air.
Retrofitting MVHR into classrooms
Airflow’s Susurro range offers discrete decentralised ventilation with heat recovery for classrooms and offices. This new generation of efficient, energy-saving, and ultra-quiet units provide the highest quality of indoor environments, perfect for educational settings. The integral C02 sensors actively monitors the indoor air quality inside a room, enabling Susurro to automatically adjust its ventilation based on occupant demand; maintaining a healthy, fresh indoor air environment without having to open a window.
The Susurro’s slim design is ideal for both new-builds and retrofits and ensures optimum use of space. The units can be ceiling mounted and are therefore ideal for retro fitting into classrooms. This range of MVHR also offers low specific fan power (SFP), excellent air circulation, automatic 100% bypass and the option for additional frost protection facilities. With the option of 3 sizes, all Susurro units incorporate exceptional casing insulation (40mm) to minimise thermal bridging and achieve extremely low noise levels, making them a particularly popular option for school ventilation systems.
Selecting the right product
Airflow’s advanced and user friendly Duplexvent Selection Software makes it possible to select the most suitable product in just a few simple steps. This freely available software gives a quick survey of the right choice of product and easy access to relevant planning information.
For more information on Airflow products, please contact sales@airflow.com.
Sources
*The Air Quality in UK Classrooms Report, Airflow.com.
