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The presentation, “Air Quality in Educational Institutions”, was one of the highlights of the Industrial Filtration and Ventilation Seminar, held at Targi Kielce on 24 September. The expert presented research findings on air quality parameters in schools and their relationship to children’s concentration and memory.

“Everything starts with concentration, because if children cannot concentrate, they cannot take in the knowledge,” Professor Ewa Zender-Świercz emphasised during her presentation.

Concentration Rose from 38.26 to 54.45 Points

The study analysed three cognitive functions: attention, short-term memory and long-term memory. In the study group, the average concentration score increased from 38.26 to 54.45 points between successive measurement stages. In the second group presented, the increase was from 39.88 to 52.11 points.

Changes were also recorded in memory performance. The average short-term memory score rose in one of the groups analysed from 74.67 to 79.51 points, and in the other from 74.26 to 78.23 points. A particularly marked difference was observed in long-term memory: in one group, the score increased from 71.90 to 79.89 points, while in the comparison group the change was considerably smaller, from 78.18 to 78.81 points.

The researchers also analysed the strength of the relationship between the study stage and attention using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. For the study group, depending on air quality, the coefficient ranged from 0.560 to 0.603, compared with 0.308–0.442 in the control group.

Air Purifiers Help – but Do Not Solve the Whole Problem

One of the key conclusions presented was that the Polish educational institutions included in the study did not meet air quality requirements. The researchers also pointed to excessively high indoor temperatures, which can promote fungal growth, as well as problems with natural ventilation. Pollutant concentrations exceeded permissible levels, while reverse airflow was observed in ventilation ducts.

The research also showed that the impact of air purifiers depends on outdoor conditions. In areas with very good air quality, their effect on children’s results was the smallest. Where air quality was very poor, the use of an air purifier was associated with improved cognitive function, but was not sufficient as a standalone solution.

According to the findings presented, particulate matter pollution had the greatest impact on long-term memory, and the smallest impact on short-term memory.

Science and Technology at FilVent

The research presented during the seminar demonstrates that the debate over air quality is about far more than the comfort of building users. It is also closely linked to health, working and learning conditions, and the proper functioning of ventilation systems.

During her presentation, Professor Ewa Zender-Świercz also outlined the capabilities of the Laboratory of Building Physics, Solar and Water Energy at the Kielce University of Technology, where researchers carry out, among other activities, measurements of pollutant, CO₂ and particulate matter concentrations, temperature and humidity monitoring, building airtightness testing, and CFD simulations.

The Industrial Filtration and Ventilation Seminar was held as part of the inaugural edition of the FilVent Trade Show for Industrial Filtration and Air Conditioning, taking place from 22 to 24 September at Targi Kielce. The seminar’s content partner is the Kielce University of Technology.