This study aims to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of deploying airpurifiers equipped with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in classrooms, tostudy air purifiers as an infection control measure. It will also evaluate the directeffect of air purifiers on air quality, comparing ceiling-mounted purifiers, portablepurifiers and no purifier.
Improved ventilation and air purification have been proposed as promising measures to
protect the health of students and children while avoiding future school closures during
pandemics. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the effectiveness and potential
drawbacks of using air purifiers in educational settings. This pilot study was initiated
to explore whether a large study of air purifiers in Norwegian primary school classrooms
is feasible and acceptable among teachers and students, and to uncover whether air
purifiers can reduce particle density in classrooms and thus potentially decrease the
spread of infections.
The results will lay the groundwork for larger-scale trials that could form the basis of
knowledge for decision-makers on whether the use of air purifiers should be part of the
strategy to limit infections in classrooms while avoiding school closures during future
pandemics.
The pilot study consists of two parts. The first part will last six weeks, and focus on
the feasibility and acceptability among teachers and students. It will describe and
compare two arms - ceiling-mounted (arm 1) and portable (arm 2) air purifiers. The second
part lasts nine weeks, and will evaluate the direct effect of air purifiers on air
quality. It will compare ceiling-mounted, and portable devices and no purifier(arm 3).
The study will involve multiple schools, with a total of six schools contributing eight
classrooms. Arm 1 will have two schools and arm 2 will have three schools, each school
contributing with one classroom. Arm 3 will have one school, contributing with three
classrooms. The classrooms will preferably belong to 7th grade students, but 6th and 5th
grade student classrooms will also be accepted, based on the schools preferences. Data
collection includes interviews and questionnaires from teachers and students,
observations, as well as absenteeism data and air quality measurements.
Device: Ceiling-Mounted Air Purifiers
The devices will be turned on every working day except Tuesdays. Air purifiers will be
set at levels perceived as acceptable by both teachers and students during operational
hours.
Device: Portable Air Purifiers
The devices will be turned on every working day except Tuesdays. Air purifiers will be
set at levels perceived as acceptable by both teachers and students during operational
hours.
Device: Portable or Ceiling Mounted Air Purifiers
The Ceiling-Mounted and Portable devices will alternate weekly between being activated
and deactivated in the three classrooms. Each classroom will also have three weeks with
no purifier activated.This alternating pattern aims to assess the impact of the various
air purifiers on air quality. Air purifiers will be set at levels perceived as acceptable
by both teachers and students during operational hours.
Inclusion Criteria for Schools in arm 1 and 2:
- Having a classroom in the 5th to 7th grade that either has sufficient floor space to
accommodate at least two portable air purifiers or has the infrastructure for the
installation of a ceiling-mounted air purifier.
- Having at least 15 students in the relevant classroom.
Inclusion Criteria for Schools in arm 3:
- Having three classrooms at the same floor with sufficient floor space to accommodate
at least two portable air purifiers AND with the infrastructure for the installation
of a ceiling-mounted air purifier.
- The relevant three classrooms should be slightly comparable with regards to use and
air quality. The air quality, as perceived by users, should generally be rated as
moderate to poor. which should be medium to poor.
Inclusion Criteria for Students in arm 1 and 2:
- Having a classroom with installed air purifier through the study as their primary
classroom.
- Informed consent from both legal guardians.
Inclusion Criteria for Teachers in arm 1, 2, and 3:
- Teaching in the classroom with installed air purifiers at least a few hours per
week.
- Providing informed consent.
Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Oslo 3143244, Norway
Not Provided