London classrooms need more support to improve air quality

GCARE's new study measures particulate matter, carbon dioxide (CO2) and thermal comfort (relative humidity and temperature) across 30 London classrooms. Measurements were taken both when classrooms were occupied and vacant, allowing baselines to be set and configured.  

According to the study, it was discovered that the levels of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were significantly higher during the time when the area was occupied compared to when it was not. Specifically, the average concentrations during occupancy were found to be 230%, 125%, and 120% higher, respectively. However, when dual ventilation systems were used, the concentration of PM10 was reduced by approximately 50% compared to natural ventilation methods.  

The study provided some important recommendations for schools to consider. One suggestion is to install real-time pollution monitoring equipment, specifically CO2 and PM monitors, which can help school management keep track of air quality levels.  

Professor Prashant Kumar, Co-Director at the University of Surrey's Institute for Sustainability and Founding Director of GCARE, commented on the findings: 

"Indoor air quality has a substantial effect on human health, wellbeing and performance, specifically in children, who are more vulnerable and sensitive to the presence of indoor air pollutants.  

"Our research across London schools shows a need for more support into how particulate matter is banished from classrooms as high occupancy meant 150% more CO2 and 230% more harmful particles floating around. 

"The CO2 levels didn't vary much based on the different floor levels and types. However, classrooms bigger than 300m3 naturally had higher ventilation rates." 

Out of 30 monitored classrooms, the majority (80%) had natural ventilation (door, window and skylight openings), 13% had mechanical ventilation, and 7% had a combination of both systems (dual ventilation). 

Furthermore, the study also observed that classrooms with wooden and vinyl floors had higher levels of PM10 (33±19 µg m-3 and 25±20 µg m-3, respectively) compared to those with carpeted floors (17±12 µg m-3). Additionally, classrooms located on the ground floor had a PM2.5/PM10 ratio greater than 0.5, indicating that outdoor PM2.5 particles were entering the classroom, whereas classrooms on the first and third floors had a ratio less than 0.5. 

Professor Paul Linden from the University of Cambridge said:

“We encourage teachers, pupils and parents to work with our Tackling Air Pollution At School (TAPAS) network to establish good practice and adequate ventilation to reduce classroom pollution.”

Information about TAPAS and how you can participate can be found on their website.

The study is carried out as a part of the EPSRC-funded COTRACE project (EP/W001411/1) and published in the journal Environmental Research. 

The University of Surrey is a leading research institution that focuses on sustainability to deliver impacts that benefit society and help deal with the many challenges of climate change. Surrey is also committed to improving its own resource efficiency on its campuses in Guildford and aspires to be a sector leader. It has set a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. In April, it was ranked 55th in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, which assesses more than 1,400 universities' performance against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).     

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Notes to Editors 

• Reference: Hama, S., Kumar, P., Tiwari, A., Wang, Y., Linden, P. F., 2023. The underpinning factors affecting the classroom air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation in 30 classrooms of primary schools in London. Environmental Research, 116863. Online link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116863 

• Professor Prashant Kumar is available for interview upon request 

• Contact the University of Surrey press office via mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk