(MENAFN – The Conversation) This week, the government will receive a report on its handling of the COVID pandemic.
One key issue is air quality in public buildings like schools, aged-care facilities, and shops. Many places have good air quality with high-filtration air conditioning, but schools primarily rely on open windows.
In NSW, 98% of schools use “natural ventilation” through windows. However, there are no requirements to keep them open, leading to stuffy classrooms that affect learning and health since viruses can spread more easily in these conditions.
Research suggests that installing high-filtration air conditioning in schools could offset costs through reduced sickness. A study by ARINA measured ventilation in several schools and found that air-conditioned classrooms had lower carbon dioxide levels, which is essential for maintaining a healthy learning environment.
With nearly 4 million students in over 9,600 schools in Australia, the estimated cost for installing air conditioning is around A$2 billion annually over five years. However, savings from fewer illnesses could exceed $1 billion per year, considering increased spending on temporary teachers due to sickness.
The financial burden of illness in schools is likely greater than the costs of installing air conditioning. Natural ventilation was a cheap solution, but it has significant hidden costs. It’s time to ensure that students and teachers receive protections similar to those in offices and shopping centers.
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