Article categories: News
Additional air purifiers were tested in daycare: no effect on illness-related absences
Published: 11.2.2025
Vaasa’s Early Childhood Education and Care tested the impact of additional air purifiers on illness-related absences for both children and staff. Additional air purifiers were tested at Purola Daycare in the autumn of 2024, but no significant change was observed in the sick leave rates of children and staff.
The Education Board decided on the air purifier trial based on a council motion submitted by Councillor Lotta Alhonnoro. Purola Daycare was selected as the pilot unit for the period from 1 August to 31 December 2024.
Purola Daycare has a standard ventilation system, and no indoor air quality issues have been observed in the premises.
Three air purifiers were placed in the rooms of one daycare group for the autumn term of 2024. The total cost of renting the equipment was €450.
Seven children from the pilot group were included in both the test period in autumn 2024 and the comparison period in autumn 2023.
The results were reported to the board
The aim of the trial was to investigate the impact of enhanced ventilation on the illness rates of children and staff.
No significant change in illness rates for children and staff was observed in the test group at Purola Daycare between the autumns of 2023 and 2024. In autumn 2023, the staff had 9 days of absence, while in autumn 2024, the corresponding number was 13.
However, some of the staff in the test group felt that the air quality had improved. The children quickly became accustomed to the devices and did not touch them.
The air purifiers had to be adjusted to a lower setting during the daycare’s opening hours due to their noise level. Feedback from the staff indicated that the purifiers were perceived as large and noisy, particularly disturbing sound-sensitive children and adults.
The results of the trial were presented to the Education Board at their meeting on 29 January 2025. The trial will not be continued.