Filtration for Viruses and Traffic Pollution in London Primary Schools

Filtration for Viruses and Traffic Pollution in London Primary Schools

L’Ecole de Battersea and L’Ecole des Petits are two English-French bilingual international pre prep and preparatory schools based in South West London. The schools are located in Battersea and Fulham and have a total of 390 pupils. Both schools are housed in Victorian buildings and feature a variety of different classroom sizes and ceiling heights.

What was the school’s concern?

The school wanted to ensure that it provides the best learning environment for their pupils. Actively managing a school’s indoor air quality is an essential part of that. Traffic pollution, mould spores, pollen, and other airborne contamination can have negative short-term and long-term health impacts on children. Furthermore, viruses and bacteria can be a concern - especially now during a time of COVID-19. The WHO and leading scientists agree that one of the ways that COVID-19 can be transferred is through airborne transmission.

What did we do about it?

After an on-site assessment in both schools, and careful consideration of the different options, the IQAir CleanZone SL and IQAir HealthPro high-performance air purifiers were installed in all classrooms, dining rooms, gyms, and libraries. AirVisual air quality monitors were also set up to monitor PM 2.5 particulate contamination, CO2, humidity, and temperature levels on an ongoing basis. The use of the AirVisual air quality monitor allowed the teachers to effectively monitor and control indoor pollution levels.

Why these products?

IQAir Cleanzone SLS

The Swiss-made range of IQAir high-performance air purifiers meet the highest standards in air filtration and infection control. Their HyperHEPA filtration is tested and guaranteed to not only filter ultrafine pollution from traffic but is also used in the most sensitive environments to control viruses - including the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2[1] - in the ambient air.  

The IQAir CleanZone SL/SLS (pictured rightis the most efficient, undisruptive, and cost-effective way to control airborne contamination in a large classroom environment. Ultra-quiet performance, a high airflow rate, and high-efficiency HEPA filtration enable the unit to provide the best possible results. 

IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor

The IQAir AirVisual Pro (pictured right) is a laser air quality monitor, which uses a high accuracy PM2.5 laser sensor to measure: particulate, CO2, humidity and temperature. It also connects to local government testing stations to provide up-to-date outdoor air pollution readings.

Why was it done?

The three main reasons are: a) the exposure to traffic pollution is a real concern in regard to the negative long-term and short-term effects it can have on young children’s health,  b) poorly controlled indoor air quality can also have a significant impact on the academic performance of students, and c) reducing the viral load in the ambient air is one of several measures a school can take to help fight COVID-19 and thus reduce the risk of infection. 

What are the health effects of exposure to general indoor air pollution? 

The short-term health effects of being exposed to poor air quality range from: headaches, nausea, increased allergy and asthma symptoms, to an inability to concentrate. Long-term health effects can be more severe, possibly affecting physical and mental health and development.

How long did the implementation take?

All units, 28 in number, were installed, configured and operational over a period of just a couple of weeks.  

Who are we?

Educational institutions work with us to find the best indoor air quality solutions. Our team of air quality experts and consultants can advise you on monitoring and filtering the air quality in any indoor environment. We work with the best international manufacturers and can provide solutions for every concern and budget.

In addition to helping government institutes and businesses throughout the UK, our sister company, Allergy Cosmos, helps domestic customers to control airborne pollution in their homes.

What was the result?

A reduction of up to 96% of particulate pollution in the classrooms was achieved compared to outside pollution levels. The use of the AirVisual air quality monitor also allowed the teachers to effectively monitor and control indoor pollution levels, and regulate CO2 levels throughout the day.


"We could immediately see the improvement in air quality throughout the schools, measured and visible in real-time, and with no inconvenience caused within the classes. This has provided reassurance to both the teachers and to parents that their children's respiratory health is being given the best protection through cleaner filtered air when attending our schools."

Nick Otten, Owner, L'Ecole de Battersea and L'Ecole des Petits

A report from the European accredited test institute Airmid Healthgroup in Ireland confirms that the IQAir high-performance air purifiers achieve a 99.9% reduction of airborne viruses in less than 10 minutes in a room of nearly 30m3.  

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