Abstract

Providing fresh air in naturally ventilated classroom settings is essential for the health and well-being of students and teachers. However, providing fresh air is not always easy for schools located in polluted outdoor air conditions, such as high concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10) like those located in central and south-central regions of Chile, frequently exceeding international standards frequently. The need for a low-cost intervention to reduce indoor pollutants in classrooms is relevant and urgent. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of low-cost interventions in naturally ventilated schools in southern Chile during the winter season. Fieldwork was undertaken in nine classrooms from two schools in the metropolitan area of Concepción during the winter 2023. Results show a significant improvement in the reduction of particulate matter in the classroom with an air purifier (REVEAL) fabricated for this study compared to manufactured air purifier and control conditions (no intervention in the classroom). This study provides a significant contribution to how IAQ can be improved through low-cost interventions, with significant implications for improving the health and well-being of students and teachers.