One of the last things people consider when choosing preschools (if at all) is their ventilation system. This might seem like an oddly specific thing to nitpick, but in a densely packed city like Hong Kong, air quality is an important health consideration, especially given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few reasons why fresh air ventilation is vital for preschools:
Poor ventilation is a major cause of virus transmission
Recent “super-spreading” clusters demonstrate why high standards of air ventilation are just as important as good hygiene and mask practice. A recent study by the University of Hong Kong revealed that poor ventilation causes viruses to have a longer transmission range and has caused previous “super-spreading” events. This is because in poorly ventilated areas, virus droplet particles remain suspended in the air for longer causing them to move through a longer airborne route (more than the 1.5 meter social distancing guideline).
The EPA found indoor air to be 2 – 5 times more toxic than outdoor air
According to the EPA, there are long term health detriments due to poor ventilation systems and air quality. Given that humans on average spend 90% of time indoors, it is important to have an efficient ventilation system. By using a fresh air ventilation system, we can capture dust and pollutants while eliminating moisture and odors.
Fresh air ventilation can help mitigate/prevent allergies
Fresh air ventilation systems can help capture small airborne pollutants such as dust, smoke, and volatile chemicals in water. In doing so, it can help mitigate symptoms of allergies or conditions like asthma, while also preventing others from developing symptoms.
Tutor Time’s Fresh Air Ventilation System
Each of Tutor Time’s campuses has a state-of-the-art ventilation system that was built into the schools even before the pandemic began. Not only does it ensure constant fresh air circulation, it has become a crucial component in our post-Covid health and safety measures.
Although fresh air ventilation is not the be all and end all, it is still important to verify that the preschool you’re about to send your child to has a ventilation system that meets (or exceeds) current guidelines. But hey, at least you’ll know what to ask next time you’re on a school tour!
Sources
https://healthpolicy-watch.news/poor-ventilation-in-restaurants-and-buses-a-major-factor-in-covid-19-transmission-says-hong-kong-study/
https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_21290.html
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3123714/coronavirus-hong-kong-expands-testing
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