Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools
Numerous studies have linked poor indoor air quality in schools to increased health issues and absenteeism among both students and staff. While most schools already have ventilation systems in place, the recent pandemic made it clear that ventilation alone is not enough to maintain healthy learning environments.
Upgrading filtration systems can increase costs and energy consumption, and many airborne aerosols are too small to be effectively captured by standard filters. To support safe, uninterrupted in-person learning, schools need classroom air purification solutions that provide continuous protection for students, teachers, and staff.
An effective indoor air quality solution must do more than reduce the spread of COVID-19—it should also protect against viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors.
To help school administrators assess indoor air quality and compare purification solutions, we’ve developed the following Air Purification Solution Grading Scale.
Air Purification Solution Grading Scale
Grade A
A top-tier solution should:
- Reduce pathogens in the air inside the device
- Reduce pathogens in the air outside the device
- Remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors
- Be safe for occupied spaces, including people, plants, and classroom pets
- Maintain low operating costs while running continuously 24/7
- Allow buildings to meet ASHRAE ventilation standards while minimizing heating and cooling expenses
- Control energy costs while eliminating hard-to-capture pathogens without relying on restrictive filters
Grade B
A strong solution should:
- Reduce pathogens in the air inside the device
- Be somewhat effective at reducing pathogens outside the device
- Remove VOCs and odors
- Be safe for occupied spaces
Grade C
A basic solution should:
- Reduce pathogens in the air inside the device
- Remove VOCs and odors
- Be safe for occupied spaces
Grade D
A limited solution:
- Reduces pathogens only inside the device
- May not be safe for occupied spaces
Grade F
An inadequate solution:
- Only dilutes pollutants and discourages mold and bacteria growth
- May not be safe for occupied spaces
Why Pyure Earns an A
You may be thinking, “Of course Pyure gives itself an A—it’s their blog.” Fair point. But in this case, the science supports the claim.
Pyure Dynamic Protection® delivers the highest level of indoor air and surface sanitization by:
- Neutralizing COVID-19 and other viruses
- Destroying mold and bacteria
- Eliminating odors
- Providing continuous 24/7 protection
- Treating individual rooms or entire facilities
For schools seeking improved indoor air quality, Pyure technology leads the class.
Grade B Air Quality Solutions
Several school air quality solutions perform well in certain areas but have notable limitations.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Devices
PCO devices use UV light to convert pollutants into carbon dioxide and water.
Advantages:
- Effective against pathogens entering the device
Limitations:
- Minimal impact on surrounding air
- Limited ability to sanitize surfaces
Electrostatic Sprayers
Electrostatic sprayers apply a positive charge to disinfectants, helping them cling evenly to surfaces.
Advantages:
- Effective surface disinfection
Limitations:
- Can only be used in unoccupied spaces
- Require daily labor and repeated application
Ionizers
Ionizers release negative ions that bind to airborne contaminants, making them heavier and easier to trap.
Advantages:
- Helps reduce airborne allergens and bacteria
Limitations:
- Limited effectiveness outside the immediate treatment area
- Minimal classroom-wide pathogen reduction
Barely Passing Solutions
While no solutions fully meet Grade C standards, some options perform slightly above failing.
HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are common in household air purifiers and vacuums.
Advantages:
- Effective at trapping allergens and bacteria
Limitations:
- Do not kill viruses
- Do not eliminate odors
- Limited effect on surface pathogens
- Require ongoing maintenance and filter replacement
- Only work when air passes through the filter
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Systems
UVGI systems use UV-C light to kill viruses and bacteria.
Advantages:
- Effective against airborne pathogens exposed to UV light
- No filter replacement required
Limitations:
- UV-C light is harmful to humans
- Cannot safely operate while classrooms are occupied
Failing Air Quality Solutions
Even when combined, the following options alone are insufficient to fully protect students and staff.
Natural Ventilation
Opening doors and windows can improve airflow and reduce carbon dioxide levels.
Limitations:
- Insufficient airflow to control viruses and bacteria
- Does not sanitize air or surfaces
- May introduce outdoor pollutants and odors
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical systems circulate fresh air through ducts and fans.
Limitations:
- Limited direct air purification capability
- Increases maintenance requirements
- Raises energy costs
Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning
Chemical disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide effectively sanitize surfaces.
Limitations:
- No effect on airborne pathogens
- Requires additional labor and training
- Can be hazardous in high concentrations
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in indoor environments.
Advantages:
- Slows mold and bacteria growth
Limitations:
- Does not kill viruses
- Excessively dry air may increase infectious disease spread
- Raises energy costs
- Requires ongoing maintenance
The Future of School Indoor Air Quality
Creating safer classrooms requires more than ventilation and filtration alone. Schools need comprehensive air purification systems capable of continuously neutralizing pathogens in both the air and on surfaces—all while operating safely in occupied environments.
By combining proven science, energy efficiency, and continuous protection, Pyure offers a smarter solution for healthier schools and safer learning environments.
