REDUCING ILLNESS IN SCHOOLS: HOW AIR PURIFICATION CAN LOWER STUDENT ABSENTEEISM
- CASTUS
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 1
Introduction
The health and well-being of students are paramount to their academic success. One often overlooked factor that significantly impacts student health is the quality of indoor air in educational settings. Recent studies have shown that improving air quality through purification can play a crucial role in reducing illness and, consequently, lowering student absenteeism.
The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Student Health
Children in group childcare settings are at an increased risk for various infections, including respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases. Poor indoor air quality in schools can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
Higher rates of respiratory infections
Increased allergic responses
Adverse reactions to chemicals (volatile organic compounds or VOCs).
Asthma, in particular, is a leading cause of school absenteeism, resulting in an estimated 13.8 million lost school days for children ages 5-17. Students with asthma are especially vulnerable to environmental triggers found in many school buildings.
This heightened exposure leads to increased morbidity among children and significant economic impacts due to parental work absences and medical costs. In the United States, these costs have been estimated at $1.8 billion annually.
Air Purification: A Simple Yet Effective Solution
Improving indoor air quality through effective air purification can significantly reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Studies have shown that inadequate classroom ventilation rates are associated with increased illness-related absences. Enhancing ventilation and air purification in classrooms can lead to a substantial reduction in student absences.
Air purification systems equipped with advanced filtration technologies can remove airborne pathogens, allergens, and pollutants, creating a healthier environment that supports student well-being and reduces the spread of illnesses. Implementing air purification systems in schools has shown promising results in reducing illness and absenteeism:
Reduced Absenteeism: One study found that installing portable units with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in classrooms can reduce absenteeism by up to 50%.
Improved Air Quality: Advanced air filtration can significantly reduce levels of pollutants, airborne viruses, and allergens, creating healthier spaces for students.
Enhanced Academic Performance: Better air quality has been linked to improved student performance in critical skills such as concentration, addition, number comparison, reading, and comprehension.
The Ripple Effect on Families and Childcare Workers
Illness outbreaks in childcare facilities not only affect the health of children but also have broader implications for families and staff. Parents often face challenges balancing work responsibilities with the need to care for sick children, leading to missed workdays and potential financial strain. Additionally, childcare workers experience increased job-related stress due to heightened workloads during outbreaks. Thus, when illness outbreaks occur in schools or childcare facilities, the impact extends beyond the students:
Family Health: Sick children often spread illnesses to family members, leading to lost workdays for parents and potential financial strain.
Childcare Worker Health: Educators and childcare workers are at increased risk of exposure to various illnesses, which can lead to staff shortages and disrupted learning environments.
Community Impact: Widespread illness in schools can lead to increased healthcare costs and strain on local medical facilities.
Conclusion
Investing in air purification systems within schools and childcare centers is a proactive approach to enhancing indoor air quality, thereby reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. This investment not only decreases student absenteeism but also alleviates the associated burdens on families and staff, fostering a more conducive environment for learning and development.
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