Acoem Australasia (Ecotech Pty Ltd) is pleased to announce that its recently developed Healthy Schools Monitoring (HSM) network — a system that enables individual classrooms to monitor key air quality parameters and help reduce Coronavirus transmission — is available for roll out across Australian schools.

As schools begin to reopen following COVID-19 lockdowns, it is critical that students return to an environment that is both safe and monitored against the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus and other airborne ailments. According to a recent Harvard University study, air pollution increases the risk of death due to COVID-19.

To quote the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), “Proper maintenance of indoor air is more than a ‘quality’ issue; it encompasses safety and stewardship of your investment in students, staff, and facilities.”

US EPA studies have shown that indoor air pollutants may lead to serious long-term health risks, especially in children. Air pollution ranks among the top five most harmful forms of pollutants, causing asthma, respiratory illnesses, allergies, headaches and eye irritation. These negative health effects can seriously impact a child’s ability to concentrate, learn and attend school. Teachers and staff are similarly impacted.

An accurate, affordable & efficient solution

The Acoem Healthy Schools Monitoring (HSM) network is a multi-parameter air quality monitoring solution that uses hyperlocal small sensor technology, cloud software and an easy-to-use app that gives immediate and real-time access to data about environmental conditions in schools via any connected device.

A low-cost, intelligent monitoring network, it features real-time, accurate readings for the four essential parameters which have the potential to increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission in a confined classroom environment — CO2 levels, PM2.5 levels, temperature and humidity. Simple, mains-powered colour screen monitors mounted in each classroom display these parameter levels with colour-coded warnings. 

HSM provides schools with an added layer of protection and introduces a new, responsible risk mitigation strategy against virus transmission for their students and staff.

The importance of measuring multiple air parameters

The Acoem Healthy Schools Monitoring system focuses on four key air parameters that researchers have indicated should be monitored in enclosed spaces:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

People infected with COVID-19 can spread the virus around a room in tiny airborne droplets called "aerosols” when they breathe out, speak, shout or sing. These aerosols build up indoors, especially when a room is crowded or there is poor ventilation. The longer you are surrounded by these aerosols, the more chance of breathing them in. Due to their microscopic size, CO2 sensors are necessary. The level of CO2 measured in a space can be used as proxy for the possible risk of exposure to Coronavirus.

2. Particulate Matter (PM) 

A positive correlation has been observed between the spread of the COVID-19 virus and atmospheric particulate matter (PM) creating a suitable environment for transporting the virus over greater distances. Moreover, PM induces inflammation in lung cells and exposure to it can increase the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

3. Relative Humidity (RH)

4. Temperature (T)

Both humidity and temperature affect how long a virus or bacteria can survive in the air.

Protection, safety & data for ongoing research

The main benefits of the Healthy Schools Monitoring (HSM) network include:

• A holistic approach to total air quality management in schools
• Effortless installation, operation & maintenance
• Mains powered with integrated WiFi data communications that connect using the existing school WiFi network
• Data is transmitted to a cloud-based web portal accessible by school staff & parents
• The interface is a clear & easy way to understand indoor air quality including virus/bacteria sustainability/risk using a simple traffic light system
• Data can be combined into an Air Quality Index that provides recommendations for specific actions to be taken to improve indoor air quality, for example additional ventilation, heat, dryness etc.
• Staff receive SMS or email alerts in case of exceedances
• Collective data can be used for further government and/or academic research.

Acoem welcomes the opportunity to discuss the Healthy Schools Monitoring (HSM) system and how we can help protect our Australian school communities.

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