It seems to be the same story every year – children return to school and spread every seasonal virus between themselves, causing havoc for teachers and families! But this year we have the added threat of COVID-19.

With under 16s not currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations and preventative measures within schools dropped this academic year, it is no surprise that the return to school is fuelling the spread. The Department for Education has published figures that show 59,000 pupils were absent from school on 16th September with confirmed cases of the coronavirus with a further 45,000 absent due to suspected cases, a significant rise from back in mid-July. In fact, 122,000 children were off school (state schools) week commencing 13th September for COVID related reasons.

There is no doubt COVID-19 is still a big part of our lives and somehow, we have to learn to live with it. Schools are doing what they can under extremely challenging circumstances, but air quality is a big contributing factor here. It is no secret air quality and ventilation in school buildings could use improvement, for children in particular, exposure to low quality air can have huge developmental consequences as well as spreading viruses.

Children who attend schools in highly polluted areas show signs of stunted working memory development, and a recent study by the Philips Foundation and University of Manchester suggested that reducing air quality levels by just 20% could improve children’s working development memory by 6.1% - the equivalent of four weeks extra learning per year!

Harmful airborne particles of any kind, whether pollution or viruses have no place in the classroom, and we at KSG Health have made it our mission to help towards improving air quality in schools.

Genano technology is operational in thousands of schools around the world and is protecting the health and wellbeing of future generations, one of these being a school in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. Our Genano devices kill nano-sized particles up to 0.003 µm (3nm) size from indoor air, including microbes, such as viruses, bacteria and moulds, as well as gases and odours.

At KSG Health clean air is our commitment. If you would like to discuss how Genano devices can improve air quality and your school, get in touch!

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