Strategies To Reduce Air Pollution In Schools

Air pollution is a pressing issue for schools, affecting the health of students, teachers, and staff. Children are especially vulnerable to the negative health impacts of air pollution as their organs are still developing, and they breathe more frequently than adults. Schools are often situated near major roads, exposing students and staff to harmful vehicular emissions. To lessen air pollution at schools, a holistic approach involving schools, children, parents, communities, and governmental bodies is necessary. This includes implementing air quality monitoring systems, adopting active travel options, creating clean air zones, strategic school placement, and improving indoor air quality through proper ventilation and filtration systems.

Characteristics of lessening air pollution at school

Implement an indoor air quality management program

Schools are often unaware that building materials in classrooms can release harmful indoor pollutants. Day-to-day products such as air fresheners, glue, and paint contain numerous air pollutants such as formaldehyde, arsenic, and benzene that can linger for many years and may cause chronic health effects in students. Therefore, it is important to implement an indoor air quality (IAQ) management program to improve the health of students and staff. Here are some ways to do this:

Firstly, it is crucial to test the air quality using air quality monitors and identify any sources of indoor air pollution. If high levels of pollutants are detected, it is important to take action to eliminate these sources, such as removing or replacing certain products or materials. This may include weatherstripping, which involves sealing gaps in windows and doors to control ventilation and prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould.

Additionally, schools can invest in air purification devices with HEPA filters, which are highly effective at removing microscopic particles from the air. When choosing an air purifier, consider the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which indicates the efficiency of the purifier, with larger purifiers often having higher CADR ratings. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these devices are also important to ensure their effectiveness.

Furthermore, schools should encourage behavioural changes to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution. This includes no smoking or vaping policies and proper ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves or heaters, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Schools should also communicate with parents and caregivers about the risks of commuting to and from school via main roads, where children can be exposed to high levels of vehicular emissions.

By implementing these measures, schools can effectively improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for students and staff.

Encourage walking or biking to school

Encouraging students to walk or bike to school is a great way to lessen air pollution. It is a fun and adventurous way to incorporate the daily physical activity that children need. Walking or biking to school can help children build strong bones, muscles, and joints and lowers the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. It also reduces traffic congestion around the school, especially during peak hours, and lowers the number of private vehicles commuting to school.

To promote walking or biking to school, communities and schools can organize Walk & Roll to School Day events. These events can be simple or elaborate, ranging from big events to low-key gatherings. They are a great way to bring together families, neighbors, school officials, and community leaders to advocate for a common goal – improving conditions for walking and bicycling. It also helps build a sense of community and neighborhood safety.

Some communities have started walking school buses or bicycle trains, ensuring an adult presence on the street. This helps address parents' concerns about kidnapping or assault, making it possible for children to walk and bike to school safely. It is important to create a plan that minimizes the risk and deals with both perceptions and documented problems.

In addition to the health and environmental benefits, walking or biking to school can also reduce costs for families, communities, and school districts. Families save on gas, communities spend less on road maintenance, and school districts spend less on busing. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Avoid traffic congestion during peak hours

Schools often coincide with major roads and peak traffic hours, which means students and staff are exposed to harmful outdoor emissions. To avoid traffic congestion during these peak hours, schools can implement a variety of strategies:

Rerouting Street Networks

One solution is to reroute streets to force drivers to take alternative routes to and from the school. This can be done by creating one-way streets or putting up "no entry" signs on specific roads leading to the school. These changes can be temporary, only in place during peak drop-off and pick-up times.

Synchronizing Traffic Lights

Another approach is to adjust the timing of traffic lights to synchronize with school start and end times. This requires coordination with local traffic authorities and may not always be effective, especially if the lights' timing is not a contributing factor to the congestion.

Enhancing Traffic Law Enforcement

Increasing the presence of patrols during peak hours can be an effective strategy to complement other measures. This can be done by strategically assigning police patrols to these peak times, but it is important to note that law enforcement responses alone are rarely sufficient.

Increasing Traffic Fines

Elevated traffic fines, often called "double fines," have been used in designated "safety corridors" to control speed and enforce zoning and parking rules. However, evaluations suggest that signs indicating increased fines may not have a lasting impact on reducing congestion.

Encouraging Alternative Transportation

Schools can encourage students and their families to choose alternative modes of transportation to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This can include promoting carpooling, public transportation, walking, or biking to school. Schools can also work with local governments and community groups to improve air quality and public health through voluntary actions and grants for cleaner vehicles.

By implementing these strategies, schools can play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion during peak hours and minimizing the exposure of students and staff to harmful outdoor emissions.

Use air purifiers and filters

Air purifiers and filters are an effective way to improve indoor air quality in schools. Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of sources, including outdoor emissions, building materials, and day-to-day products such as air fresheners, glue, and paint. These pollutants can have negative health effects on students and staff, especially those with asthma or allergies.

To mitigate indoor air pollution, schools can invest in air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These filters are designed to trap microscopic particles that can irritate the lungs, improving the overall air quality. When choosing an air purifier, it is important to consider the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which indicates the efficiency of the purifier. Larger purifiers tend to have higher CADR ratings, making them more suitable for larger rooms.

In addition to air purifiers, proper air filtration and ventilation systems can be implemented to minimise the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. Weatherstripping, for example, can be used to seal gaps in windows and doors, preventing air leakage and ensuring optimal ventilation. However, it is important to note that weatherstripping can also trap polluted air if it is not properly vented outdoors.

To identify the specific sources of indoor air pollution, schools can conduct indoor air quality tests and inspections. By understanding the sources of pollution, schools can take targeted action to eliminate or mitigate the pollutants. For example, if high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde are detected, schools can remove or replace the sources, such as paint or floor panels.

By combining the use of air purifiers and filters with proper ventilation and source control, schools can significantly improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for students and staff. It is important for schools to prioritise indoor air quality to protect the health and well-being of their school community.

Establish air quality monitoring systems

Air quality monitoring systems are essential to establish baseline data and track the effectiveness of air pollution reduction strategies. Here are some detailed steps to establish air quality monitoring systems in schools:

Identify Air Quality Parameters

The first step is to identify the specific air quality parameters that need to be monitored. These may include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), among others. These parameters are typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) and are considered key indicators of air quality.

Choose Appropriate Monitoring Devices

Select monitoring devices that are capable of accurately measuring the identified air quality parameters. Modern air quality monitors can measure multiple parameters simultaneously and provide real-time data. Ensure that the devices are calibrated and approved by relevant authorities or organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States.

Determine Monitoring Locations

Strategically place the air quality monitors at different points across the school campus. Consider locations such as playgrounds, sports fields, school entrances, and areas near busy roads. By placing monitors at various locations, you can identify air pollution hotspots and understand the extent of pollution across the entire campus.

Establish a Data Collection and Analysis System

Set up a centralized system to collect and analyze the data from all the monitoring devices. This system should allow for real-time or frequent data collection, ensuring that you capture any fluctuations in air quality. Analyze the data to identify trends, compare it with historical data, and identify potential sources of air pollution.

Take Action Based on Data

Use the insights gained from the air quality data to implement targeted measures to reduce air pollution. For example, if high levels of particulate matter are detected near a specific area, you can implement measures such as relocating student activities, improving ventilation, or installing air purification systems in those zones.

Regularly Maintain and Calibrate Devices

Ensure that the air quality monitoring devices are regularly maintained and calibrated to guarantee their accuracy. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking sensors, and performing any necessary software updates. Proper maintenance will ensure that the devices continue to provide reliable data over an extended period.

By following these steps, schools can effectively establish air quality monitoring systems, gain valuable insights into the air pollution levels on their campuses, and take informed actions to create a healthier environment for students, staff, and the surrounding community.

Frequently asked questions