Evidence-Based Solutions for Healthier Schools
Protect Student Health with Professional Air Quality Monitoring
Every day, students breathe air that may be harming their health and hindering their learning. Poor classroom air quality triggers asthma attacks, spreads infections, causes headaches, and reduces cognitive performance by up to 15%.
AirGradient’s professional monitoring solutions help you identify and address these invisible threats. With real-time data on CO2, PM2.5, TVOCs, NOX, temperature, and humidity, you’ll have the evidence you need to create healthier learning environments and improve student outcomes.
The Hidden Crisis in Our Classrooms
Your Students Are Breathing Harmful Air Right Now
Research shows that classroom air quality frequently exceeds safe levels1, with this invisible crisis affecting millions of students daily, contributing to:
- Increased respiratory issues: 1 in 13 students has asthma (CDC, 2023), and poor indoor air quality is a documented trigger2
- Higher infection rates: Studies show inadequate ventilation significantly increases airborne disease transmission3
- Chronic health symptoms: Poor ventilation is linked to increased headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating4
- Reduced attendance: Schools with air quality issues report higher absenteeism rates5
- Learning difficulties: Harvard research shows cognitive function declines when CO2 exceeds 1,000 ppm6
The Cost of Inaction Is Too High
The CDC reports that students with asthma miss more school days than those without7, with indoor air quality being a significant factor. For a typical school, this represents thousands of lost learning days annually.
But there's hope. Schools that implement comprehensive air quality monitoring and improvements report significant reductions in illness-related absences and improved academic outcomes8. The solution starts with understanding what's in your air.
1Daisey et al. (2003) Indoor Air Journal | 2EPA Indoor Air Quality in Schools | 3Morawska et al. (2020) Environment International | 4Wolkoff (2018) International Journal of Hygiene | 5Mendell et al. (2011) Indoor Air Journal | 6Allen et al. (2016) Environmental Health Perspectives | 7CDC Asthma in Schools (2023) | 8Haverinen-Shaughnessy et al. (2011) Building & Environment
What Science Tells Us About School Air Quality
The Health Impact Is Immediate and Measurable
Extensive peer-reviewed research reveals how poor air quality directly harms student health and performance:
Respiratory Health: Studies show that improving classroom ventilation can reduce respiratory infections and asthma-related incidents significantly. The EPA estimates that poor indoor air quality contributes to millions of lost school days annually1.
Cognitive Function: Harvard researchers (Allen et al., 2016) demonstrated that cognitive function scores doubled when CO2 levels decreased from 1,400 ppm to 550 ppm2. In classrooms where CO2 routinely exceeds 2,000 ppm, students show measurable declines in decision-making ability and test performance3.
Disease Transmission: Research published in Environment International (2020) shows that proper ventilation dramatically reduces airborne virus transmission4. Wells-Riley modeling suggests keeping CO2 below 800 ppm as a proxy for adequate ventilation can reduce infection risk by up to 5-fold5.
Academic Performance: A study of California schools (Haverinen-Shaughnessy et al., 2015) found that improving ventilation rates from 5 to 20 cfm per student correlated with 2-3% gains in math and reading scores6. Similarly, research shows that reducing PM2.5 exposure improves cognitive performance and test scores7.
Teacher Wellbeing: Studies indicate that teachers in properly ventilated classrooms report fewer health symptoms, including headaches and voice problems, leading to reduced sick days and improved job satisfaction8.
1EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools | 2Allen et al. (2016) Environmental Health Perspectives | 3Satish et al. (2012) Environmental Health Perspectives | 4Morawska et al. (2020) Environment International | 5Peng & Jimenez (2021) Environmental Science & Technology Letters | 6Haverinen-Shaughnessy et al. (2015) Indoor Air | 7Stafford (2015) Review of Economics and Statistics | 8Muscatiello et al. (2015) Indoor Air
“AirGradient began as a response to help a school manage air quality during Thailand wildfires. Today, we’re proud to support thousands of schools worldwide in creating healthier learning environments while inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists.”
Evidence-Based Success Stories
Documented Improvements from Real Schools
Research and case studies demonstrate the measurable impact of air quality monitoring and improvements:
Reduced Illness: Schools implementing comprehensive IAQ programs report 10-20% reductions in absenteeism1. Studies show that improving ventilation to meet ASHRAE standards can reduce illness transmission by 35-50%2.
Asthma Management: EPA case studies document schools that reduced asthma incidents by 20-60% through IAQ improvements, including better ventilation and removing triggers3.
Academic Gains: Multiple studies correlate ventilation improvements with test score increases of 3-8%4. Schools meeting recommended ventilation rates show consistently higher academic achievement5.
Energy Savings: Demand-controlled ventilation based on CO2 monitoring typically reduces HVAC energy use by 10-20% while maintaining healthy air quality6.
Pandemic Resilience: Schools using CO2 as a ventilation proxy during COVID-19 reported significantly lower transmission rates compared to those without monitoring7.
1Mendell et al. (2013) Indoor Air | 2Azimi & Stephens (2013) HVAC&R Research | 3EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Case Studies | 4Wargocki & Wyon (2013) Building and Environment | 5Haverinen-Shaughnessy & Shaughnessy (2015) Indoor Air | 6Fisk & De Almeida (1998) Energy and Buildings | 7Di Gilio et al. (2021) Environmental Research
Making Air Quality Monitoring Work in Your School
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation
Start by identifying priority areas: classrooms with poor ventilation, spaces with high occupancy, areas near pollution sources (roads, labs, cafeterias). Our team can help you determine optimal monitor placement for comprehensive coverage.
Step 2: Deploy and Start Monitoring
Installation takes minutes - simply plug in and connect to WiFi. Monitors begin collecting data immediately, with results visible on your dashboard within seconds. No technical expertise required.
Step 3: Understand Your Data
Our intuitive dashboard shows clear, actionable insights. Green means healthy, yellow suggests attention needed, red requires immediate action. Automated alerts notify you when levels exceed safe thresholds.
Step 4: Take Action
Quick wins: Open windows when CO2 is high, adjust HVAC schedules, relocate activities from problem areas
Medium-term: Change cleaning product schedules, improve filter maintenance, add air purifiers
Long-term: Use data to justify ventilation upgrades, secure funding for improvements, achieve building certifications
Step 5: Engage Your Community
Share data with parents, students, and staff. Transparency builds trust and support for improvements. Many schools use displays in hallways to show real-time air quality, empowering everyone to be part of the solution.
One Solution, Triple Benefits
1. Protect Student Health (Primary Benefit)
Immediate impact: Reduce asthma triggers, prevent headaches, decrease disease transmission
Long-term benefits: Better attendance, improved wellbeing, healthier school community
Peace of mind: Know you're providing the safest possible environment for learning
2. Enhance Learning Opportunities
STEM integration: Real-world data for science projects and environmental studies
Student engagement: Hands-on assembly options for ages 11-18
Critical thinking: Analyze data, propose solutions, see real impact
3. Achieve Building Standards
Certification ready: Meet WELL, RESET, LEED, and FITWEL requirements
Grant eligibility: Qualify for green building and health improvement funding
Energy savings: Optimize ventilation based on actual occupancy and air quality
With AirGradient, you're not choosing between health, education, and compliance - you're achieving all three with one comprehensive solution.
Join thousands of schools creating healthier learning environments. Contact our education team for volume pricing and implementation support.
Your Path to Healthier Classrooms
Start Today - See Results Within Weeks
Week 1: Deploy and Discover
Install monitors in priority areas. Immediately see CO2, PM2.5, and TVOC levels. Identify problem areas and quick-win opportunities.
Week 2-4: Quick Wins
Implement no-cost improvements: adjust ventilation schedules, open windows strategically, relocate sensitive activities. Studies show these simple changes can improve air quality metrics by 20-30%1.
Month 2-3: Build Support
Share data with stakeholders. Use evidence to secure buy-in for larger improvements. Apply for grants using documented air quality issues.
Month 4-6: Systematic Improvements
Implement medium-term solutions: upgrade filters (MERV 13+), adjust cleaning protocols, add targeted air purification. Track improvements and celebrate successes.
Justifying the Investment
Health cost savings: The EPA estimates reducing absenteeism by 10% saves schools $30-60 per student annually2
Energy optimization: Research shows demand-controlled ventilation typically saves 10-20% on HVAC costs3
Grant opportunities: Federal and state programs increasingly prioritize schools with documented IAQ improvement plans4
Risk mitigation: Proactive monitoring helps meet ASHRAE 62.1 standards and demonstrates duty of care
We're Here to Help
Our education team provides free consultation to help you get started. We'll help with monitor placement, data interpretation, and creating your improvement plan. Join thousands of schools worldwide prioritizing student health through better air quality.
1Persily & de Jonge (2017) Indoor Air | 2EPA Report on School Absenteeism and IAQ | 3Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2012) | 4U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Program
Understanding What We Monitor and Why It Matters for Student Health
Each parameter we measure directly impacts student health and wellbeing. Here’s what our professional-grade sensors track and why it’s critical for your school.
CO2 - The Ventilation Indicator
Health Impact: High CO2 causes drowsiness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Levels above 1,000 ppm reduce cognitive performance by 15%.
What We Measure: SenseAir S8 NDIR sensor with ±40ppm accuracy tracks levels from 400-10,000 ppm.
Action Threshold: Open windows or increase ventilation when levels exceed 800 ppm.
PM2.5 - The Invisible Threat
Health Impact: Triggers asthma attacks, causes respiratory irritation, and increases infection risk. Long-term exposure linked to reduced lung development in children.
What We Measure: Plantower laser sensor detects particles from outdoor pollution, HVAC issues, and indoor sources.
Action Threshold: Investigate sources when PM2.5 exceeds 12 μg/m³.
TVOCs - Chemical Pollutants
Health Impact: Causes headaches, eye irritation, and allergic reactions. Linked to ‘sick building syndrome’ and reduced attention span.
What We Measure: Sensirion SGP sensor detects emissions from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings.
Action Threshold: Review cleaning schedules and product choices when TVOC index exceeds 250.
Temperature & Humidity - Comfort and Health
Health Impact: Poor thermal comfort reduces learning ability. High humidity promotes mold and dust mites, triggering allergies and asthma.
What We Measure: Precision sensors (±0.2°C, ±2% RH) ensure optimal conditions.
Action Threshold: Maintain 68-74°F and 30-50% humidity for optimal health and learning.
“The AirGradient monitors have transformed how we approach both environmental health and STEM education. Students are engaged, teachers have valuable data, and we’re seeing measurable improvements in our learning environments.”
Creating Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders
Empower students with the tools and knowledge to understand and improve their environment
Real-World Research Projects
Students investigate questions that matter: Does opening windows during high pollen days help or hurt? How do CO2 levels change during exams? What’s the air quality impact of the chemistry lab? These investigations develop critical thinking while addressing practical school challenges.
Cross-Curricular Learning
Air quality monitoring spans multiple disciplines. Use sensor data in statistics classes, explore chemical reactions in science, calculate ventilation rates in physics, and discuss environmental justice in social studies. One tool, endless learning opportunities.
Student-Driven Discovery
When students assemble their own monitors, they take ownership of the data. They propose hypotheses, design experiments, and present findings to administrators. This agency transforms passive learners into active environmental advocates and future scientists.
Community Impact
School air quality projects often expand beyond campus. Students present to school boards, securing funding for ventilation improvements. They share data with parents, raising awareness about indoor air quality at home. Some even influence municipal air quality policies.
Ready to Begin? Contact Our Education Team for Implementation Support
Proven at Scale: 2,000 Monitors in UK Schools
AirGradient was selected for the world’s largest school air quality study - the SAMHE Project. Our monitors are gathering data from 2,000 UK classrooms, building an unprecedented dataset that will shape national policies on school ventilation and health. This massive deployment demonstrates the reliability, accuracy, and scalability of our monitoring solutions. Schools participating in SAMHE report improved awareness of air quality issues and concrete actions taken to improve ventilation based on monitor data.
Having used the AirGradient indoor kits as well as the commercial AirGradient ONE in awareness projects with schools and universities here in Thailand, I am very keen on piloting this new outdoor monitor. I am also interested in exchanging ideas and resources for student engagement with this open source project.
Dr. Titaporn Supasri
National Astronomical Research Institute, ThailandThe San Joaquin Valley of California has extreme climate injustice and the worst air quality in the United States, yet continues poorly monitored. The SEEN Team has partnered with AirGradient to facilitate low-cost monitoring in rural disadvantaged communities, and to increase awareness and education related to air quality. We intend to provide more and better real-time air quality information for local decision makers to act in the best interest of their underserved communities.
Angel S. Fernandez-Bou, PhD
SEEN.team, Central CaliforniaI’m very happy to contribute to this open hardware project with my product design experience and working with the team to not only ensuring a beautiful look but a highly functional design. Turning the required air flow characteristics and vent specification into a good looking product was a challenge I really liked. I’m looking forward to see the product in many Citizen Science projects around the world.
Rinat Alima
Onion Studio (Product Design)Having tested numerous air quality sensors for the projects we are doing I found myself extremely impressed with AirGradient. Not only are they technically first class with their product, they have a level of engagement and adaptability which makes working with them very easy. A welcome element to this is their clear commitment to the importance of environmental issues, showing itself in their interest in the details of our projects - all this helps them to deliver…!
Professor Rod Jones
University of CambridgeAirGradient have consistently gone above and beyond their contractual duties in order to better support the SAMHE Project. They have shown great flexibility and a genuine interest to listen to the complex needs of the project; as a result, they deliver valuable products and a friendly service, both in a manner that is timely for the project.
Henry Burridge
Imperial College LondonWe have had the opportunity to utilise AirGradient’s sensors in a variety of indoor air quality projects. Through these diverse projects, we have consistently been impressed with the sensors’ performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The wide-ranging scale and unique requirements of many of our projects demand a high degree of adaptability and support from the technical team, and in this regard, AirGradient has been instrumental in ensuring successful project delivery.
Dr. Thomas Bannan
University of Manchester and Urban 360Choose Your Implementation Path
Select the approach that best fits your school’s needs and timeline. All options provide the same professional-grade monitoring capabilities.
Quick Deployment
(Fully Assembled - USD 230)
For schools needing immediate action on air quality concerns. Pre-calibrated monitors arrive ready to plug in and start protecting student health within minutes.
- Immediate deployment for urgent health concerns
- Professional-grade sensors pre-calibrated
- Real-time dashboard and alerts
- 12 months dashboard access included
- Suitable for grants and certification requirements
- Full technical support and implementation guidance
- 12 months warranty
USD 230.00
Build Instructions
Educational Integration
(DIY Kit - USD 138)
Combine health monitoring with STEM education. Students build monitors themselves, creating investment in air quality while learning valuable skills.
- Hands-on learning opportunity (ages 11-18)
- Same professional sensors as assembled version
- No soldering required - safe for students
- Curriculum integration resources included
- Builds student ownership of air quality
- Volume discounts for classroom sets
- Teacher training and support available