CamJan 9, 2023
https://theconversation.com/an-investment-in-clean-indoor-air-would-do-more-than-help-us-fight-covid-it-would-help-us-concentrate-with-lasting-benefits-176547
I agree with the suggestion of universal CO2 monitors in schools, but less sure about the framing as a more durable solution than portable filtration. I think we need more than co2 monitoring in rooms with natural ventilation+split system A/C - either mechanical ventilation or portable air cleaners otherwise there will be situations …
An investment in clean indoor air would do more than help us fight COVID – it would help us concentrate, with lasting benefits

COVID has given us the opportunity to ensure our air is as safe as our water. It needn’t be expensive.

The Conversation
Show threadCam

… where CO2 is high (ventilation is poor) and can’t be mitigated adequately with opening windows (for reasons of temperature, energy efficiency, outdoor pollution such as bushfires etc).

What are our durable long term solutions for ventilation & safe air in schools (& elsewhere including aged care) beyond CO2 monitoring? @cleanaircrew @cleanairstars @DavidElfstrom @joeyfox @Jimrosenthal4 @robynschofield3

Jan 9, 2023 at 11:39amWeb
Show threadDavid ElfstromJan 9, 2023
@thoughtsofawho @cleanaircrew @cleanairstars @joeyfox @Jimrosenthal4 @robynschofield3 Should be CO2 plus PM2.5 monitoring especially if natural ventilation is being relied upon. Then you'll know when filtration is needed - for example when outdoor air quality is poor (bush fires, pollution-trapping temperature inversion)
Show threadAlexander (Sasha) Wait ZaranekFeb 14, 2023
@DavidElfstrom @thoughtsofawho @cleanaircrew @cleanairstars @joeyfox @Jimrosenthal4 @robynschofield3 we have been collecting data from 12 #IAQ monitors in our condo. (15 minute time points.) ♥️ And I'd love to find fellow travellers interested in analyzing such data. Schools would need very robust software to provide useful guidance. Lots of false +ve peaks and trends that may or may not mean anything.
Show threadClean Air StarsJan 9, 2023
@thoughtsofawho @cleanaircrew @DavidElfstrom @joeyfox @Jimrosenthal4 @robynschofield3 As you say, worth thinking about actionability of data. Without a solution for when outside conditions are not amenable to opening windows (temperature, rain, pollen, traffic, bushfires) a high CO2 may simply cause angst. Ultimately you need a baseline solution for different aspects of IAQ that is either always on or automated based on reliable data.
Show threadClean Air StarsJan 9, 2023
@thoughtsofawho @cleanaircrew @DavidElfstrom @joeyfox @Jimrosenthal4 @robynschofield3 Priority should be given to maintaining the ability to focus on teaching and learning without additional cognitive load of thinking about ventilation or impact of noise levels. The natural ventilation strategy of most Australian classrooms means cost of retrofitting mech vent may not necessarily be the best option.