Sir, – It is refreshing to see the issue of poor indoor air quality being highlighted and we welcome the nuanced discussion that Dr Brian Fleming and Prof Judith Harford opened up with their article (“Chronic absenteeism from school has worsened since Covid and must be tackled”, Opinion, September 1st).
The authors pointed out that “emerging evidence in recent years suggests that environmental factors, such as poor air quality and inadequate ventilation within school buildings, may be contributing factors to increased rates of student absenteeism”.
Illness continues to be the leading cause of school absences, accounting for approximately 60 per cent of all missed school days, according to Tusla.
Many of these illnesses, such as colds, flus, RSV, and Covid-19, are caused by airborne pathogens that the World Health Organisation now confirms are spread through the air like cigarette smoke. There is a growing body of scientific research confirming that the use of air purifiers and mechanical ventilation significantly reduces the spread of illnesses in classrooms. To reduce the number of school-acquired infections, we must address indoor air quality as an absolute priority.
RM Block
There is a statutory obligation on employers – including schools – to introduce control measures, such as mechanical ventilation and air purification, to ensure the air their employees breathe is safe and healthy. These control measures are guided by the Health and Safety Authority’s code of practice for indoor air quality.
The ventilation system in Leinster House underwent significant upgrades in 2021 before our public representatives returned to the building from the Convention Centre. It is only fair that children and school staff should be afforded the same standard of healthy indoor air that our TDs and Senators enjoy in the Oireachtas. – Yours, etc,
DR CIARA STEELE,
SINÉAD O’BRIEN,
KIERAN RYAN,
Clean Air Advocacy Ireland,
Cong,
Co Mayo.
