AIR PURIFICATION
A purified learning environment Tim Browning, Head of Business Development - Air Treatment at Fellowes explores air purification in education
H
ow improving air quality in education environments is key to minimise disruption to learning, by reducing the transmission of harmful germs and viruses including coronavirus, and how it can also improve pupils’ performance. For any owner or facilities manager of a school or university, the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors is always a top priority. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increased focus on how premises should adapt and implement measures to prevent the spread of harmful germs and viruses
42 | Spring 2022 | CAMPUS
including COVID-19. As we have come to learn over the course of the pandemic, the virus can spread either by someone touching a contaminated surface or through the inhalation of airborne droplets generated when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes. For educational establishments, measures that can help schooling to continue to operate and reduce disruption to learning should therefore be considered. Protecting against COVID-19 The British Medical Journal (BMJ) explains that when people infected
with COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2) exhale, particles that include the virus are expelled into the air. If someone is within a “short range” (less than 1m away) they are at risk of inhaling these harmful particles almost instantly. Any remaining particles then disperse and can be inhaled by those further away – and even those over 2m away can be exposed. It is also important to consider that particles can remain in the air for hours, so even after the infected person leaves the premises, occupants could still be at risk. The threat is amplified in busy indoor environments such as
