Opinion: Sick of your kids being sick? Clean air in schools may be the answer

It’s time to take a closer look at air filters in classrooms to prevent illnesses and absences, write Julia Corey and Orla Hegarty

Studies have shown that improving indoor air quality through ventilation or air filtration significantly reduces transmission of airborne viruses. Picture shows a DIY 'Corsi-Rosenthal box' air filter in a classroom setting. Credit: Corsi Rosenthal Foundation

Becoming unwell has become a dreaded side effect for many families sending children back to school. But, what if there was a simple way to break this cycle? What if one simple thing could drastically reduce the number of coughs, colds, and flu our kids catch from school, increase school attendance, and even improve concentration?

There is — cleaning the air our children are breathing.