As wildfire smoke blankets parts of Los Angeles County and urban pollution continues to challenge campuses nationwide, air quality on college campuses has become a pressing issue for students, faculty, and staff. From hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels forcing class cancellations to moldy dorms impacting health, universities are grappling with how to protect their communities. A recent report by Camfil USA, a leader in air filtration solutions, sheds light on the problem and offers actionable strategies for campuses to optimize air quality.

The Current Crisis: Wildfires and Urban Pollution

Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have pushed air quality into the "unhealthy" range, with campuses like UCLA and USC feeling the heat. UCLA moved classes online, and students were seen leaving campus to escape the smoke, while USC kept classes in-person but shifted activities indoors. According to USC’s air quality monitoring efforts, N95 masks were provided for outdoor workers, and a Wildfire and Air Quality hotline was established to support the community.

Social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) echo the frustration felt by students during such events. One user, @izaynab, recalled the 2018 wildfires when campuses like UC Davis and San Francisco State University canceled classes as AQI levels reached hazardous levels (199), but felt their own campus failed to provide adequate support, such as free filtered masks. Similarly, posts from @sacstate and @abc7newsbayarea highlight campus closures at Sacramento State and San Jose State University due to poor air quality, underscoring the recurring nature of this issue.

Urban campuses face additional challenges. Pollution from traffic, industrial operations, and construction often seeps into lecture halls and dorms. According to research published on MDPI, campuses are microcosms of urban environments, making them vulnerable to pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and cardiovascular problems.¹

Indoor Air Quality: A Hidden Threat

While outdoor pollution grabs headlines, indoor air quality (IAQ) is equally concerning. Older campus buildings and dormitories, like those at the University of Rhode Island and Howard University, have faced mold and dampness issues, impacting student health, according to Housing Matters.² Laboratories, too, contribute to indoor pollution through activities like welding and chemical experiments, as noted in MDPI studies.³

Camfil USA's recent report, "How Colleges Can Optimize Air Quality on Campuses," emphasizes the need for better indoor air quality management.

"Poor indoor air quality can affect academic performance, attendance, and overall well-being," the report states.

It recommends solutions such as:
Retro-commissioning HVAC systems
Using MERV-13 filters
Implementing natural ventilation to reduce indoor pollutants

Bright Spots and Solutions

Not all campuses are struggling. Some, like Adams State University in Colorado (AQI 7) and Shawnee State University in Ohio, enjoy some of the cleanest air in the U.S., according to Your Amazing Places.4 However, for campuses in polluted areas, action is critical.

The Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) "Know Your Air Network", which uses 200 low-cost sensors to monitor air quality, could serve as a model for universities, as suggested by Clarity.io.5 Meanwhile, sustainable building designs, such as LEED-certified structures, have shown promise in improving perceived indoor air quality, though more quantitative research is needed, per studies published in MDPI and PMC.6

Camfil USA's report highlights the role of advanced air filtration systems in addressing these challenges.

"Colleges can significantly improve air quality by investing in high-efficiency filters and regular HVAC maintenance," the report notes.

For campuses looking to take action, Camfil offers expert guidance and solutions tailored to educational environments. Learn more at Camfil USA’s School Air Filtration page.

The Path Forward

As air quality concerns grow, universities must prioritize the health of their communities. Students are vocal on platforms like X, demanding better responses during crises, while research underscores the long-term impacts of poor air quality.

With solutions like:
Air quality monitoring
Sustainable building designs
Advanced filtration systems

Campuses have the tools to act—but implementation is key.

For now, as wildfire smoke clears and urban pollution persists, the question remains:

Will colleges rise to the challenge and ensure clean air for all?

Coffee With Q will continue to monitor this story and bring you updates on campus air quality initiatives nationwide.

About Qamar Zaman

Qamar Zaman is a seasoned news reporter and investigative journalist for Coffee With Q, specializing in environmental issues, technology, and higher education. His work has been seen in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Associated Press. He is committed to uncovering critical campus and public health concerns through in-depth reporting and expert analysis.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. All data is based on the latest available sources at the time of publication. Readers are encouraged to verify information through primary sources.



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