Air Quality Monitoring in Secondary School Classes in Warsaw—Measurements and Correlation

This article discusses the results of measurements and surveys on indoor air quality in Warsaw secondary school classrooms. Measuring selected air parameters and basing them on subjective user assessments enables a comprehensive diagnosis that identifies key issues. Temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration were measured in all rooms on the second floor. Concurrently, a survey was conducted among high school students. The aim of the survey was to gather students’ perceptions of the comfort of their stay in selected rooms and their opinions on air quality. The next step in the analysis was to correlate indoor air quality measurements with student perceptions. This allowed for the observation of numerous correlations and several paradoxes. An analysis of carbon dioxide concentration versus perceived comfort showed a distinct correlation. However, no correlation was observed between carbon dioxide concentration and perceived discomfort. Unfortunately, indoor air quality in all rooms where measurements were taken in the studied school was poor. The air parameters tested did not meet any standards. Students reported symptoms such as drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and headaches, which are strongly associated with elevated carbon dioxide levels and impair learning efficiency.