How does Air Pollution Affect Students in HCMC? ISHCMC’s Commitment to Clean Air
Did you know that air pollution has been shown to negatively impact concentration and memory in children?
At ISHCMC we believe that maintaining a healthy environment is crucial for students’ well-being and academic performance. In this article, we explore the current air quality situation, its impact on our school community, and the measures ISHCMC is taking to protect our students.
Air pollution in Ho Chi Minh City
In December the air pollution reached unhealthy levels and continues to rise year on year. From 2017 to 2018, the PM2.5 level rose from 23.6 to 26.9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). These levels are more than double those recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as an annual guideline.
The impact of air quality on students
Ho Chi Minh City has seen a noticeable increase in air pollution in recent years. Research has shown that air quality has a significant impact on students’ health and academic performance. Exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and other health issues like allergies and mental health problems, including stress, sadness, and anxiety. Additionally, poor air quality can negatively affect children’s concentration and cognitive abilities, which ultimately impacts their ability to learn effectively (IQAir, 2024).
ISHCMC’s commitment to clean air
At ISHCMC, we prioritize air quality because we understand how crucial a clean, safe, and healthy environment is for students to maintain good physical health and wellbeing, to ensure they excel in their studies and extracurricular activities. To address the challenge of air pollution, we employ two key strategies on both our Primary and Secondary campuses:
- Using high-quality air purifiers
- Monitoring air quality with live IQAir monitors
High-quality air purifiers
On our Primary campus, each classroom and indoor corridor is equipped with cutting-edge IQAir CleanZone SLS air purifiers, ensuring the air students breathe is as clean as possible.
The Secondary campus, on the other hand, is less affected by outdoor air pollution due to its centralized cooling system, which keeps most indoor areas sealed. This system uses HEPA V-Bank H13 filters, which can capture airborne dust and particles as small as 0.3 microns.
According to the manufacturer, these filters effectively remove dust, allergens, bacteria, mold particle size, and even smoke. We replace and maintain these filters on both campuses according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance.
ISHCMC’s Air Quality Response Plan
Both campuses are equipped with two IQAir monitors that provide continuous, real-time results of the air quality, displaying data in the US AQI index format. This allows our faculty to quickly respond to fluctuations and proactively protect students from potential health risks due to poor air quality.
Teachers on duty and the teacher in charge of activities are responsible for regular monitoring and implementing ISHCMC’s Air Quality Response Plan.
At moderate (51-100) and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) levels, we monitor the length of time students are outdoors and our PE department is aware of any students who may be affected by air quality and adjust their plan accordingly.
At an Unhealthy AQI level (151 – 200) primary students have restricted outdoor play and indoor PE only, and modified PE lessons for secondary students, moved indoors where possible.
Over 200, all outdoor activities are moved indoors or canceled.
How to check the AQI of ISHCMC
For parents and guardians, staying informed about air quality at schools is convenient. We publish data from our IQAir stations online, allowing anyone to check the AQI at any time. To view current air quality readings click here.
Our air quality stations are calibrated or replaced annually, as per IQAir’s recommendations, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Tips for Students and Parents
Maintaining good air quality is essential for student health and academic success. Here are some practical steps parents and students can take:
- Wear a mask when going outside if outdoor air pollution levels are high
- Limit outdoor activities on days when the AQI exceeds 150
- Use air purifiers at home, particularly in children’s bedrooms, to reduce indoor pollution
- Monitor indoor and outdoor air quality regularly and respond accordingly to keep the environment safe.
By staying informed and taking preventive measures, we can work together to ensure a healthier, more productive learning environment for all our students at ISHCMC.
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Reference links: Back to school guide: 5 Ways good air quality helps students
