Study links air quality improvements to fewer school COVID cases
Study links air quality improvements to fewer school COVID cases University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Efforts to Improve Air Quality at Special Education School Associated with Fewer COVID-19 Cases
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical School, published in PLOS One, has found that efforts to improve air quality at a special education school in Rochester, New York, were associated with a reduction in COVID-19 cases among staff and students.
The Mary Cariola Center, which enrolls over 450 students aged 3 to 21 with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, is a population that is at an increased risk of COVID complications and may face challenges in adhering to protective measures such as social distancing and mask wearing.
Recognizing the importance of providing therapy and services to the students, the school implemented additional measures to ensure their safety during the pandemic. The focus was on improving air filtration and airflow within the school.
Cases Tied to Poorer Air Flow
In November 2022, the researchers measured carbon dioxide levels across 100 rooms in three buildings on the school’s campus, ranging from small classrooms to a gymnasium, over a 1- to 3-day testing period. They also collected data on COVID-19 cases in these rooms from August 2021 to August 2022.
All rooms remained below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) carbon dioxide limit. However, three rooms had lower ventilation for 2 or more hours, indicating suboptimal air flow. The study found a correlation between the number of COVID-19 cases and the time spent in rooms with moderate carbon dioxide levels.
A combination of approaches is most effective, including masking, vaccination, ventilation, and air filtration.
The researchers also observed a link between COVID-19 cases and air filtration. One of the buildings on the campus had a newer ventilation system equipped with high-efficiency MERV-13 air filters, which are capable of capturing more virus particles. Classrooms in buildings with less porous MERV-11 filters had a higher number of COVID-19 cases.
In a press release from the University of Rochester Medical School, Martin Zand, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and co-leader of the study, stated, “One thing that COVID taught us is that there isn’t one single magic solution that will prevent all infection from all viruses. Rather, a combination of approaches is most effective, including masking, vaccination, ventilation, and air filtration.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of COVID-19 cases among staff and students – Carbon dioxide levels in rooms – Air filtration efficiency |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all. | – Number of COVID-19 cases among students in special education schools |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Carbon dioxide levels in rooms – Air filtration efficiency |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses efforts to improve air quality in a special education school to reduce COVID-19 cases among staff and students. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the special education school’s focus on providing important therapy and services to students during the pandemic. This relates to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the importance of air quality and ventilation in buildings, specifically in relation to reducing COVID-19 cases. This connects to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The efforts to improve air quality in the special education school align with this target as they aim to reduce COVID-19 cases by addressing air pollution and contamination.
Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.
The focus on providing therapy and services to students in a safe environment during the pandemic relates to this target as it emphasizes the need for safe and inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
The emphasis on improving air quality and ventilation in buildings aligns with this target as it aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly in terms of air quality.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of COVID-19 cases among staff and students: This indicator reflects progress in reducing the number of illnesses related to air pollution and contamination.
- Carbon dioxide levels in rooms: Monitoring carbon dioxide levels can indicate the effectiveness of ventilation systems and air quality improvement efforts.
- Air filtration efficiency: Comparing the efficiency of different air filtration systems can help assess their effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 cases and improving air quality.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of COVID-19 cases among staff and students – Carbon dioxide levels in rooms – Air filtration efficiency |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all. | – Number of COVID-19 cases among students in special education schools |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Carbon dioxide levels in rooms – Air filtration efficiency |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cidrap.umn.edu
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