Improving classroom air quality has become a critical focus in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen Fontaine, a leading expert in standalone air purifiers and HEPA filters, emphasizes the importance of clean air in educational settings to enhance student health and academic performance.
Stephen Fontaine is the founder and president of IAQ Solutions Consulting Inc., a company dedicated to improving indoor air quality (IAQ) through expert consulting and solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Fontaine has established himself as a reputable provider of standalone air purifiers, HEPA filtration systems, and creating healthy indoor environments.
Fontaine’s Expertise
Fontaine’s extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have taught him the crucial role that high-quality air purifiers and advanced filtration systems play in creating a healthy indoor environment, particularly in settings like classrooms where occupants spend extended periods. He emphasizes the effectiveness of HEPA 13 and HEPA 14 filters in removing a wide range of airborne particles, including viruses, mold spores, and other pathogens that can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and allergies.
Through IAQ Solutions Consulting Inc., Fontaine and his team work closely with clients to develop customized solutions tailored to their specific needs, ensuring optimal indoor air quality and promoting a healthier, more productive environment for occupants.
HEPA 13 vs. HEPA 14
HEPA 13 filters are capable of capturing 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, while HEPA 14 filters go even further, capturing 99.995% of such particles. These filters are designed to trap particles as small as 0.1 microns with high efficiency, making them essential tools for maintaining indoor air quality in classrooms. By reducing harmful particles, HEPA filters help create a healthier environment for students and staff, potentially reducing absenteeism and improving cognitive function.
Research supports the benefits of improved air quality in schools. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that better air quality is associated with higher cognitive function and productivity. Similarly, the University of Surrey’s study demonstrated that using air purifiers in conjunction with scheduled window openings can reduce classroom pollution by up to 36%. These findings are echoed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which notes that children in classrooms with high outdoor air ventilation rates tend to achieve higher scores on standardized tests in math and reading.
Despite the clear benefits, challenges remain. A survey revealed that nearly 70% of teachers turn off or lower the settings on air purifiers due to noise, which can hinder their effectiveness. This highlights the need for quieter, more efficient air purifiers that do not disrupt the learning environment.
Air Purifiers and Safeguarding the Youth
Investing in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA 13 or HEPA 14 filters can significantly improve indoor air quality in classrooms, promoting better health and academic outcomes for students. As Fontaine and other experts suggest, prioritizing clean air in schools is crucial to ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
“I think the recent pandemic has shown us how important – and how dangerous – unchecked air pollution can be, especially in a school setting. We would all breathe easier knowing that problem is taken care of,” says Fontaine. Schools can create healthier spaces supporting student well-being and academic success by addressing the challenges and implementing effective air purification solutions.
Published by: Martin De Juan
