Most Teachers Concerned About Classroom Air Quality

The Clean Air Survey of North American Educators found that only 36% of teachers in the United States and 13% in Canada rate the air quality in their classrooms as “good” or “excellent.” The survey, conducted by Fellowes, a company specializing in air quality management, includes responses from more than 1,200 K-12 educators.

The survey found:

• Most teachers (83%) are worried that poor indoor air quality contributes to respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
• Nearly half (46%) of educators report their school as lacking the necessary technology to improve indoor air quality.
• Only 23% of teachers’ requests for indoor air quality improvements were granted.
• Nearly all teachers (99%) believe “clean indoor air is a right” that is essential for the well-being of students and staff.

The results of this year’s survey show an evident disparity between air quality needs and solutions. Nearly 36% of educators shared that their schools made no improvements to indoor air quality from 2023, and the number of educators reporting a lack of air purifiers rose. In 2023, 40% of educators reported the absence of air purification units in their schools, which has since risen by 6%.

“Research consistently shows that poor indoor air quality can hinder cognitive function, directly impacting students’ ability to learn,” said Jason Jones, Fellowes director of air quality management. “Implementing air quality solutions in schools isn’t just an investment in infrastructure; it’s a simple and cost-effective step that districts can take to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff while fostering their success.”

As part of the survey, educators shared personal experiences with classroom air quality. Teachers described issues, such as frequent personal illnesses they attribute to poor air quality, and frustration with outdated infrastructure, including windows that do not open and visible mold in their room. Only 9% of teachers in the U.S. and 35% in Canada said they have an air purifier in their classroom, whether provided by the school or purchased personally. Several respondents expressed concerns about schools failing to maintain filters in provided air purifiers while others indicated vents are visibly dust clogged.

To read the full results of the Clean Air Survey of North American Educators, click here.