A University of Washington research team conducted the 'Healthy Schools, Healthy Air' study (March–August 2021), funded by five cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to measure how well school ventilation systems protect students from ultrafine particles generated by aircraft, traffic, and wildfire smoke. Researchers assessed indoor and outdoor air quality at five schools selected based on their age, ventilation type, and proximity to flight paths. The project concluded with a final report in December 2021 offering findings on filtration interventions, including portable HEPA air cleaners, intended to inform schools, districts, and state legislators on improving indoor air quality.Open full document
Notes
A presentation to the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) in December 2021 summarizing the Healthy Schools, Healthy Air project. The project, funded by cities including SeaTac, Burien, Federal Way, Normandy Park, and Des Moines, investigated the ability of school ventilation systems to remove outdoor pollutants including ultrafine particles from aircraft, traffic, and wildfire smoke. The presentation covers project goals, timeline, and measurement activities conducted at five schools between March and August 2021.