Air quality monitoring survey in german school classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic 2021

TL;DR

This study conducted a six-month survey of air quality in German school classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic using novel sensors to monitor CO2, sound, temperature, and humidity, highlighting ventilation challenges.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed, large-scale survey of classroom air quality during the pandemic, utilizing innovative sensor technology for comprehensive data collection.

Findings

Significant variability in classroom air quality and ventilation.

Need for individual air quality monitoring and ventilation compliance.

Data supports targeted strategies to reduce virus transmission.

Abstract

The air quality in classrooms across all types of schools in Lower Saxony in the north of Germany has been monitored during June to December 2021 in a large study. Novel sensor instruments for air quality monitoring were wall mounted in 329 rooms in 50 schools and day nurseries. Each sensor instrument records data for carbon dioxide CO$_2$, sound level, temperature, and humidity. All collected data are transmitted for monitoring and further statistical evaluation by WiFi connection to the database. This study provides for the first time a detailed survey of the air quality situation and handling in schools during more than six months. The situation can be characterized by large variety in classroom area and volume combined with very diverse air ventilation possibilities. To control virus transmission via aerosol in classrooms an individual monitoring of air quality combined with high compliance for ventilation according to the signaled recommendation is urgently required.