A UAE study highlights how interventions like air purifiers and green cleaning products drastically improve indoor air quality in classrooms.
DUBAI: A recent UAE-based study has demonstrated that using targeted indoor air quality interventions in schools can significantly reduce harmful pollutants, supporting student health and academic performance. The report, released on 4th September, is part of the “Take A Breath” initiative launched by Goumbook in 2023, in line with the UAE National Air Quality Agenda 2031 and backed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The research covered 40 classrooms across 10 schools in Dubai and Sharjah, testing a series of cost-effective air quality solutions. Findings showed that air purifiers reduced fine particles (PM2.5) by 82 percent in 80 percent of the schools, proving to be the most effective measure. In addition, eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning agents reduced total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) by 61 percent, while special paints with formaldehyde-absorbing technology contributed to a 96 percent drop in TVOCs.
Improved ventilation protocols, including opening windows and doors in combination with AC systems, achieved a 64 percent reduction in indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in most classrooms during the first month of implementation.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder of Goumbook, emphasised the importance of clean indoor air for schoolchildren. “Indoor air is invisible, leading to a lack of awareness about the risks it poses. Primary school children are particularly vulnerable during key developmental stages. This study proves that clean air in schools enhances well-being and cognitive performance while encouraging long-term sustainability habits.”
The research offers valuable insights that can guide improvements not only within schools but across various sectors. According to the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), the city aims to achieve 90 percent clean air days annually under the Dubai Air Quality Strategy 2030, reinforcing the urgency of such data-backed interventions.
Bérangère Böell, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, also noted the global implications: “Clean air is a basic human right essential for health, sustainability, and economic development. The UAE’s National Air Quality Agenda is a prime example of how local policies can contribute to global goals, especially as we approach the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on 7th September.”
