From Dave Holtum, Bathampton, Somerset, UK
Your report on the effect of air quality on school attendance highlights the possible impact of particulate matter on children’s health. Another factor to consider is the carbon dioxide level in the classroom. Research indicates can decrease by 15 per cent at 1000 ppm of CO2 and potentially 50 per cent at 1400. Following the distribution of CO2 monitors to English educational institutions, studies on levels of this gas have emerged. One in West Yorkshire found average classroom CO2 at 959 ppm over an academic year, with 4846 hours recorded at above 1500 ppm(10 May, p 19).
