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Tools for Schools - Filtration for Improved Indoor Air Quality Schools present unique problems to designers and HVAC practitioners. Most schools are diverse structures with different requirements for classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, cafeterias and auditoriums. Many schools also offer photography as a subject thereby introducing contaminant problems associated with darkrooms. Physics and biology laboratories present their own unique challenges to maintaining proper indoor air quality throughout the facility. The quality of the air is measured by temperature and humidity, and by the concentration of particulates and gaseous contaminants. Adverse health effects from poor indoor air quality, documented in educational facilities, range from annoyance and respiratory irritation to acute or chronic illness. When classrooms are properly controlled for comfort and are free of excessive contaminants, the learning environment is enhanced. On any given school day, 51 million people, or one in five of the entire United States population, occupies a school building. There are 110,000 schools in over 15,000 districts, with 2.3 million teachers, 126,000 administrators and 600,000 support staff. By providing proper indoor air quality we can: Air Quality Recommendations for Educational Facilities
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(1) Corridors, mechanical rooms and mechanical technology areas (shops) are usually not air conditioned. Shops, laboratories and toilets require additional exhaust consideration. Contact Camfil Farr for information on laboratory exhaust requirements.
(2) Outside air, or ventilation air requirements, are per ASHRAE 62-1989, Ventilation Standard for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Air filtration may be applied to reduce actual outside air for energy conservation. Consult Camfil Farr publication, Two-Step Design Solution.
(3) All filter efficiencies are ASHRAE dust spot efficiencies per Standard 52.1-1992. Conversion to new ASHRAE Standard 52.2, 20-30% = MERV 6-7, 60-65% = MERV 11, and 80-85% = MERV 13. MERV’s are listed in parenthesis ( ) next to each dust spot efficiency listing.
Laboratories and darkrooms, locker rooms, toilets and mechanical technology areas should be under negative pressure to prevent contamination transfer to adjacent areas of the facility.