What's In Indoor Air?
Polluted air doesn’t stop at the school gates. It enters buildings through doors, windows, ventilation systems and small gaps and can also be carried indoors on clothing and shoes. Indoor air pollution is also generated inside school buildings. As a result, indoor air can be five to 100 times worse than outdoor pollution. Indoor air pollution is an invisible threat that can affect health, learning an wellbeing.
Sources From Inside the School Building
Dust
A mixture of particles including clothing fibres, pet dander, wind-blown soil, skin flakes and other materials that become airborne when disturbed.
Dust Mite Allergens
Microscopic particles from dust mites, including faecal particles and body fragments, which can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive children.
Mould/Fungal Spores
Microscopic particles released by mould growth, particularly where there are damp or moisture problems.
Airborne Viruses and Bacteria
Respiratory particles spread through the air when people breathe, talk, cough and sneeze. Some viruses and bacteria can remain in the air for hours, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Formaldehyde
A chemical gas released from some building materials, furniture, paints, adhesives, and household products that can irritate the airways.
Other Volatile Organic Compounds
Gases released from every day products and materials such as cleaning products, fragrances, furnishings, paints and adhesives.
Carbon Dioxide
Produced when people breathe out. High levels can indicate that a classroom needs fresh air.
Microscopic plastic particles
Tiny plastic particles that can be present in indoor air and dust from everyday materials and products.
Carbon Monoxide
A poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion from faulty appliances, boilers, heaters or other combustion sources.
Radon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter buildings from the ground and build up indoors, particularly where ventilation is limited.
Asbestos Fibres
May be released from damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing materials in older buildings.
Outdoor Sources That Affect Indoor Air
Particulate Matter
Tiny particles from traffic, smoke, industry, pollen, and other sources can enter classrooms through ventilation systems, windows, and doors.
Nitrogen Dioxide
A combustion pollutant mainly linked to traffic and other sources of burning that can enter buildings from outdoor air.
Ground Level Ozone
An outdoor air pollutant formed during hot, sunny weather that can enter classrooms and irritate the airways.
Pollen and Outdoor Allergens
Pollen and other biological particles can enter classrooms through open windows, ventilation systems and on clothing.
Smoke
From Wildfires
and Woodburning
Smoke can travel into classrooms, affecting air quality and health
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