In today’s world, ensuring a healthy and safe indoor environment is more crucial than ever. Rising global temperatures and shifting climate patterns are intensifying air quality concerns, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) can have a profound impact on productivity and attentiveness in schools and workplaces. Because of its impact on overall health, IAQ is becoming an increasing concern amongst parents, teachers, students, and workers. Along with clean facilities and surfaces, clean air is a requisite for having safe and productive working and learning environments.  

IAQ in the Workplace 

Poor indoor air quality is a significant concern in corporate spaces, especially affecting those vulnerable to allergens and asthma triggers. While HVAC systems and air conditioning are crucial components of creating comfortable working environments, they bring outdoor air inside which, without adequate filtration, can spread allergens and other pollutants throughout buildings and exacerbate pre-existing conditions.  

The CDC reports that 25.7% of U.S. adults are negatively impacted by airborne seasonal allergies, a problem only made worse by climate change, which extends and intensifies allergy seasons. Additionally, the CDC found more than 300 substances in the workplace that can cause or worsen asthma, making workplace air quality a real concern for asthmatic and vulnerable employees.¹ The CDC also estimates that in the U.S. asthma costs about $50 billion each year  and this cost includes work and school absenteeism for doctor’s visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Improving IAQ can help mitigate health and safety concerns, while improving productivity and concentration among workforces, and reducing costs from absenteeism.  

The Importance of IAQ in Universities and Schools 

Higher education institutions face unique air quality challenges due to the high traffic and the constant movement of students and staff. According to a recent study by JLL, parents now rank campus cleanliness and IAQ among the top three most important factors during the college or university selection process, behind cost and quality of education.² In fact, IAQ and quality of education go hand-in-hand. A study conducted at Yale indicated that polluted air could have a severe impact on knowledge retention, resulting in educational regression by up to a year. The air we breathe can contain neurotoxins like mold, which impacts the ways our brains function and process information. Every student deserves access to a safe and clean learning environment, so they can get the most out of their education.  

Because of their age demographic, air quality is a pressing issue in K-12 schools, where students are particularly vulnerable to allergens and asthma triggers. With approximately one-sixth of the U.S. population attending or working in roughly 130,000 schools nationwide, keeping these environments healthy is a top concern. However, according to the EPA, half of all K-12 students attend schools that do not have IAQ management plans or programs in place, impacting students and teachers alike. Complicating that, a study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that, “among children, exposure to higher average coarse PM levels is associated with increased asthma prevalence and morbidity.” Additionally, substantial evidence exists that comprehensive management of IAQ in schools improves student academic performance and attendance, reduces the spread of airborne illnesses like COVID-19, lengthens the lifespan of building systems, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions from schools while providing cost savings through lower energy consumption. Better filtration systems can catch and stop particulate matter from spreading across campuses.  

A recent Fellowes survey of 2,682 K-12 educators in the U.S.³ revealed a significant disparity in air quality prioritization between educators and school. Despite 96% of teachers acknowledging the link between air quality and student performance, only 26% rated their school’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as good or excellent. Notably, 40% reported an absence of air purification units in their schools, despite federal funding made available for filtration units post-pandemic.  

Tailoring Solutions for Campuses and Corporations 

Air quality systems that can offer scalable and flexible solutions for various settings, from lecture halls and offices to K-12 classrooms should be highly considered. Systems with powerful fan designs and H13 True HEPA filtration ensure the removal of harmful airborne particles. Additionally, consider a system’s ability to retrofit existing facilities without requiring connection to ductwork for campuses and buildings with diverse architectural styles and construction periods. 

The ability to access a dashboard that offers real-time monitoring of critical indoor air contaminants and data-sharing capabilities is also important in making it easy for administrators to trust and manage air quality levels. Having centralized control allows facility managers to schedule maintenance, track air quality trends, and optimize energy usage. Having a Community Dashboard should also be included so the real-time status of IAQ can also be shared with students and staff, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to maintaining a healthy environment. 

Considering Fellowes Array Networked Air Quality Management System 

The Fellowes Array system is designed to enhance IAQ by seamlessly working alongside HVAC systems. Equipped with H13 True HEPA filtration technology, the Array system removes 99.95% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Advanced Monitoring and Management 

Array units feature the patented EnviroSmart+™ Technology which enables the system to proactively adjust to changes in occupancy density and environmental conditions, ensuring efficient and effective air purification building-wide. EnviroSmart+™ accurately senses the air quality needs of indoor spaces and facilitates more effective air turnover and filtration, dramatically reducing the amount of VOCs, particulate matter, and other asthma triggers. A suite of advanced sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions like CO2 levels and room occupancy. Combined with their networked connection capabilities enabling Array units to share IAQ data with one another, the Array system offers detailed real-time monitoring and inter-unit communication.   

Over the last 15 years, Fellowes has made significant strides in improving IAQ across various sectors. Now with Array, featuring efficient mitigation and monitoring solutions, businesses, universities, and schools can safeguard the health and well-being of their occupants, promoting productivity and overall wellness. 

Why Choose Fellowes Array? 

• Superior Filtration: H13 True HEPA technology removes 99.95% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns including dust, dander, ultrafine wildfire smoke particles, and other allergens and asthma-triggering compounds.  

• Advanced Monitoring: The expansive sensor suite in Array air purification units supply the Viewpoint cloud-based dashboard with real-time data, allowing facility managers access to air quality trends. Array Signal, the unique stand-alone monitors, offer real-time data for schools and other environments that must monitor for IAQ, Co2 levels, and more.  

• Scalable and Flexible: Easy retrofitting and scalability to meet changing needs in your environment. Array units can be installed seamlessly alongside existing HVAC systems without requiring any connection to ductwork. Unit placement is flexible, allowing units to be optimally placed near contaminant sources. Additional units can be added and integrated into the Array IAQ system at any time. 

• Comprehensive IAQ Management: The Viewpoint dashboard offers centralized control and data integration, complete with charts and IAQ trend visualization for easier decision-making.  

• Proven Results: Fellowes Air Quality Management solutions are already trusted by thousands of institutions and businesses, improving air quality for millions. Fellowes has placed air purification units in over 400,000 K-12 classrooms across the country.  

The importance of indoor air quality in reducing the impacts of asthma and allergies in workplaces, universities, and schools cannot be overstated. As climate change intensifies air quality concerns and exacerbates respiratory conditions, prioritizing IAQ has become crucial for health, productivity, and overall well-being. The significant impact of poor air quality on asthma and allergy sufferers, coupled with its effects on cognitive function and academic performance, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive IAQ management strategies. By implementing advanced filtration systems, real-time monitoring, and data-driven solutions, institutions can create healthier, more productive environments that benefit all occupants. As we move forward, investing in IAQ improvements is not just a matter of comfort, but a fundamental requirement for fostering safe, efficient, and conducive spaces for work and learning. The commitment to maintaining excellent IAQ will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our educational institutions and workplaces, ensuring the health and success of generations to come. 

For more information on how Fellowes is pioneering a new chapter in indoor air quality management with the Array system, visit Fellowes Air Quality Management and follow Fellowes Air Quality Management on LinkedIn.