Air quality tests are conducted each winter in schools that displayed peak carbon dioxide (CO2) levels above 1,500 parts per million (ppm) in testing the previous year.
WorkSafeNB guidance indicates CO2 levels below 5,000 ppm over an eight-hour period weighted average, or 30,000 ppm over a 15-minute weighted average do not pose risks to occupants’ health and safety.
School districts receive these test results and will take measures to mitigate CO2 levels in schools on a case-by-case basis, until integrated mechanical ventilation systems are installed. Often, mitigation is as simple as ensuring there are more opportunities for air exchange, such as opening doors and windows for a period of time or having students more freely throughout the school through the day.
A summary of air quality test results are available below.