Think back to sitting in a crowded classroom on a warm day. The air feels heavy, the windows barely open, and before long, everyone’s yawning, rubbing their eyes, or struggling to focus. That isn’t just “classroom fatigue.” It’s often a sign of poor classroom air quality.
Kids spend more time indoors at school than almost anywhere else, so the air they breathe matters just as much as the lessons they learn. Improving indoor air quality in schools can reduce illness, sharpen focus, and create a healthier learning environment for both students and teachers.
At Planet Duct, we’ve seen firsthand how better indoor air can transform a school. As NADCA-certified air duct cleaning experts here in Colorado Springs, we know what it takes to tackle pollutants and create safer, cleaner classrooms. Let’s look at why air quality in schools matters — and how to make it a priority.
Why Classroom Air Quality Matters
Poor indoor air quality can do more than make a classroom feel stuffy; it directly impacts student health and learning. High levels of particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and even carbon dioxide buildup can cause:
- Headaches and fatigue
- Allergy flare-ups and asthma attacks
- Higher rates of respiratory illness
- Reduced concentration and productivity
Some schools have even reported symptoms of sick building syndrome, where poor ventilation and indoor air pollution cause widespread discomfort among students and staff only when present in the classroom. When kids are wrestling with allergy symptoms and impure air, their learning suffers.
Fast Facts on Classroom IAQ
The air students breathe is just as important as the lessons they learn. Poor classroom air quality directly impacts the health, concentration, and overall well-being of our kids.
- Indoor pollutant levels in schools can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels (and occasionally up to 100× higher).
- Nearly 56 million people (≈ 20 % of the U.S. population) spend much of their day in elementary or secondary schools.
- In 1999, about 25 % of U.S. public schools reported unsatisfactory ventilation conditions.
- In that same survey, about 20 % of schools reported unsatisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) more broadly.
- Poor IAQ in schools can cause discomfort and contribute to short- and long-term health problems for students and staff.
Common Causes of Poor Classroom Air Quality
Schools are unique environments, and that makes them especially vulnerable to poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Some of the most common culprits include:
- Poor ventilation – Outdated HVAC systems can circulate dust, bacteria, and allergens.
- Moisture issues – Water leaks or high humidity encourage mold growth.
- Building materials and cleaning supplies – Carpets, paints, and chemical cleaners can release VOCs into the air.
- Crowded classrooms – Elevated carbon dioxide levels from limited air changes make rooms feel stale and hinder focus.
Steps Schools Can Take to Improve School Air Quality
1. Upgrade Ventilation and Filtration
Simply opening windows isn’t always enough. Schools should use proper ventilation systems to dilute contaminants and install high-efficiency filters to capture fine particulate matter.
2. Control Moisture and Mold
Mold thrives in damp environments. Routine inspections and timely repairs of leaks, along with managing indoor humidity levels, can significantly reduce mold risk.
3. Reduce Chemical Pollutants
Switching to low-VOC cleaning products and minimizing the use of harsh chemicals helps lower indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds.
4. Regular Duct Cleaning
Dust, allergens, and even bacteria can accumulate in ducts and then recirculate throughout classrooms. Professional duct cleaning removes these pollutants at the source.
For a deeper look at best practices, the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program offers practical guidance designed specifically for educational facilities.
Long-Term Benefits for Students and Staff
Improving classroom air quality isn’t a nice-to-have for schools; it’s a must-have for healthier learning environments. Cleaner air in schools means:
- Fewer missed school days from asthma or illness
- Improved focus, memory, and test performance
- Happier, more energized teachers and staff
- Long-term protection of school HVAC systems
When schools prioritize air quality, everyone benefits.
Healthier Classrooms Begin with Better Air
Better classroom air quality doesn’t happen overnight — it takes commitment, regular upkeep, and the right expertise. But the payoff is undeniable: healthier students, sharper focus, and learning environments where teachers and kids can thrive.
At Planet Duct, we’re honored to support Colorado schools in creating cleaner, safer classrooms. With our specialized duct cleaning and air purifying services, we help schools cut down on pollutants and give students the fresh air they deserve. Request a quote today and take the first step toward a healthier future for your school community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classroom Air Quality
How can you improve air quality in a classroom?
Schools can improve classroom air quality by upgrading ventilation systems, installing high-efficiency air filters, and scheduling regular air duct cleaning. Reducing indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and controlling humidity levels also play a big role in keeping the air healthy for students and staff.
What is the ventilation rate for a classroom?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends classrooms have about 15 cubic feet of outdoor air per minute per person, which usually equals 2–3 air changes per hour. Proper ventilation helps dilute carbon dioxide and remove particulates and other contaminants.
Is the air in the classroom saturated?
In schools across the country, it’s common to find CO2 levels above 1,500 ppm. If you’ve ever felt yourself getting sleepy during a long car ride, that drowsiness is often caused by CO2 buildup inside the vehicle. The same thing can happen in classrooms — when ventilation is poor, CO2 accumulates, making students and teachers feel sluggish and less focused throughout the day.
How does school air affect you?
Poor IAQ in schools can lead to headaches, fatigue, allergy flare-ups, and worsened asthma symptoms. Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants can also affect concentration and overall health, which impacts both learning and teaching.
How can you reduce humidity in a classroom?
Humidity can be controlled with proper HVAC settings, dehumidifiers, and routine maintenance to fix leaks or moisture issues. Keeping indoor humidity between 40% and 60% is ideal for preventing mold while still maintaining comfort.
What causes air pollution in a classroom?
Common causes include outdated HVAC systems, poor ventilation, dust buildup in ducts, emissions from cleaning products or building materials, and high CO2 levels from crowded spaces. Moisture issues can also contribute by allowing bacteria and mold to spread.
Should classrooms have air purifiers?
Yes, air purifiers are great, especially in areas with limited ventilation or during high-allergen seasons. HEPA-filtered air purifiers can help capture fine particulates, pollen, and mold spores, improving air quality in specific rooms. However, they should be used as a supplement, not a replacement, for central HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning.
