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Clean air in schools so children stay healthy. That is the common goal of the partners in the research project CLAIRE: Clean Air for Everyone. We speak to Professor Lidwien Smit and industry association director Remi Hompe. The importance of clean indoor air is underestimated, even though, on average, people spend about 90 per cent of the day indoors.

During the interview, Lidwien Smit and Remi Hompe talk passionately about the importance of clean air, both from their own particular expertise. Smit is project leader of CLAIRE and, as a professor at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, brings with her scientific knowledge. Hompe is director of industry association Binnenklimaat Nederland and represents manufacturers and suppliers of air purifiers and ventilation technology.

The situation at the moment is pretty bizarre, says Smit. When the CO₂ meter in my daughter's classroom jumps to orange or red, all the windows have to be opened – even if it’s freezing outside. The children get really cold.

That’s shocking, says Hompe. People have been talking about air quality in primary schools for years. The level of ventilation is often insufficient, which puts children at greater risk of contracting infectious diseases such as colds, flu and coronavirus. We need to improve air quality in public spaces. Let's be realistic. In a pub full of people, ventilation and air purification are not going to help, but clean air in schools is an achievable goal. Every child has a right to healthy air.

Sick from air

Smit: For some people, clean air is particularly important. For people with asthma or COPD, clean air helps prevent symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Clean air is also essential for children: the lungs and airways are still developing until the age of 20. But actually, clean air is important for everyone. Air pollution leads to shorter lives and all kinds of diseases." Hompe: "Don't forget the teachers. Sick leave among teachers is a big problem. It would be fantastic if we could prevent teachers getting sick from circulating virus particles. The importance of clean indoor air is underestimated, even though, on average, people spend about 90 per cent of the day indoors. Air purifiers and ventilation can contribute to clean air, but there are many different types, and not all of them work equally well. It’s important to know which systems work well.

Air pollution leads to shorter lives and all kinds of diseases

Not a lab, a primary school

Smit: We test air purifiers and fans in real-life situations. Normally, these are examined in a lab, which is nothing like the real world – and certainly not like a classroom where children and teachers are walking around. In some classrooms, we simultaneously place air purifiers that are not switched on, so we can properly measure the difference in effect. We are investigating whether the systems reduce circulating virus particles, while also looking at behavioural aspects. How do you make sure an air purifier is used properly? People often unwittingly lessen the impact of technological solutions. For example, they buy an air purifier but don’t put it in the right place, for example because it is in the way or makes too much noise. That’s quite understandable. So we also study what is needed for correct use, and we measure the impact of less optimal use, like an air purifier in the corner of a classroom.

Challenging companies

Smit: It is fascinating to study air quality on such a large scale, in a controlled experiment. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

Hompe is too: As an industry, we have developed guidelines and standards for CO2 and particulates, but not for virus particles. Once the results of this study are published, we have to adjust the guidelines. We will challenge companies to improve their performance and to innovate. It all starts with science, but the market has to act on the results.

Smit: That's what makes this project so great. As scientists, we can do great research, but if the market doesn’t act on it, then nothing will change. At the same time, we get answers to our scientific curiosity around the spread of viruses.

For children and people with lung disease, clean air is particularly important

Learning to understand each other

Smit: The collaboration is going well, despite our goals being different in some respects. The industry wants results that allow companies to improve their products, while we want answers to fundamental questions. Also, we don't always speak the same language. We really need to learn to understand each other. It’s great to see that everyone takes the time to listen to each other and to have their say.

Hompe: It helps that we share the same standards and values. Our members are also parents or grandparents, and we all want clean air for children. We are primarily doing this for society.

Text: Rosan Reusken | Image: Bas Niemans