- New research from Urban 360 and Southwark Council is one of the first long-term studies of air purification in real life school and care settings in the UK
- Using air purifiers reduced levels of a harmful microscopic air pollutant (PM2.5) by an average of 38 per cent in care homes and 18 per cent in classrooms during school time
- Classrooms saw less of a reduction in PM2.5 than care homes, probably due to doors and windows being opened more often in the classroom environment
A new real-word study, one of the first of its kind in the UK, has shown that air purifiers can effectively improve indoor air quality in schools and especially care homes.
Air purifiers have been shown to be effective in lab environments, but there is much less evidence in real world settings.
Led by Urban 360 and commissioned by Southwark Council, the study lasted 11 months at three schools and three care homes in Southwark.
Southwark Council previously approved grant funding so schools and care homes with particularly high PM2.5 levels could install air purifiers if they did not have them already.
With air purifiers turned on, PM2.5 levels in care homes tended to be 38 per cent lower on average according to the new study. A reduction was also found in schools, with an average PM2.5 reduction of 18 per cent during out-of-school hours.
In schools there were clear differences in results across the day, with an average PM2.5 reduction of 18 per cent during class time, and an average of 38 per cent after school hours. This suggests that behavioural elements, such as people moving between classrooms, limit how effectively air purifiers work.
Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Southwark Council, said: “People who live in care homes and school children are more vulnerable to the health effects of indoor air pollution. That's why we targeted schools and care homes in areas of poor air quality, funding their air purifiers and setting up the study. Now, we can use the data to inform next steps with any further roll out.
“As one of the first of its kind in the UK, this study is essential reading for other councils, the government, and users of air purifiers. We have gained more robust, real-life insights into the merits and limits of air purifiers, which is key to their effective use. We are proud of Southwark's role to improve air quality on behalf of everyone in schools and care homes.”
Dr Thomas Bannan at Urban 360 said: "We are delighted to share the positive impact that this study has demonstrated on improving air quality in schools and care homes. The results show that air purification units can significantly reduce particulate matter helping to create healthier indoor environments for children and vulnerable adults.
"These findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers, highlighting the potential of air purification technologies to reduce pollution exposure in real-world settings and protect those most at risk."
There is plenty that can be done to make the most of air purifiers. Here are some priorities for different stakeholders outlined in the study:
For managers: simple advice on how to select, deploy and maintain air purifiers, associated energy costs, weather, and outdoor air and/or noise pollution and airborne illnesses.
For users (teachers, carers): air purifiers are effective and can be left on continuously to provide benefit. Doors and windows can be left closed when people are not using rooms so that the air can be effectively purified. When rooms are occupied, windows and doors may need to be opened to allow access and balance thermal comfort.
For government: standards and regulations for indoor air pollution in schools and care homes are urgently required.
For local government and third sector: guidance to help schools and care homes understand the benefits of air purification technologies and how to use them effectively.
For academics and industry: further research into i) behaviours and attitudes towards indoor air quality and purifiers; and ii) the performance of purification units in different real-world settings.
Read the full report on Urban 360’s website: https://urbanthreesixty.com/report-effective-air-purification-school-care-home/