The importance of good ventilation in classrooms

Air quality, the unresolved subject in schools

When we think about the ideal learning environment, we tend to focus on the quality of teaching, teaching materials or classroom design. However, we often overlook a crucial factor that directly influences the well-being and cognitive development of young children: the quality of the air they breathe. In schools and nurseries, where children spend a large part of their day, a stuffy indoor environment can have significant consequences for their health and their ability to assimilate new knowledge.

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most reliable indicators of poor ventilation. High levels of CO₂ in the classroom can cause drowsiness, headaches and a noticeable decrease in attention, directly affecting the learning process. But CO₂ is not the only villain. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted by paints, glues, markers and other school supplies, can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as being linked to long-term health problems. Added to this are airborne particles (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and aggravate conditions such as asthma, which is very prevalent in childhood.

The good news is that there are advanced technological solutions to ensure optimal indoor air quality in educational centres. Real-time monitoring through smart sensors allows for comprehensive control of pollutant levels and precise action to correct them. These systems not only measure key parameters, but can also automate ventilation, activating it only when necessary and thus ensuring a healthy environment without wasting energy. Protecting air quality in the spaces where our children grow and learn is one of the most important investments we can make for their present health and future success.