Abstract / Summary
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) leads to increased health risks, including infectious disease and respiratory illness, and can decrease wellbeing. Poor IAQ is also associated with adverse effects on performance indicators, for instance student education. Air cleaning technologies, such as (mobile) air cleaning and mechanical ventilation, could improve IAQ but their efficacy depends on their correct use and maintenance. User perspectives on the application of these technologies are generally underexplored. User and policy maker perspectives on the acceptability, feasibility and perceived effects of (mobile) air cleaning and ventilation systems in classrooms and elderly care homes were investigated in a two-part study. First, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with participants from various organizations including primary schools and elderly care. Second, focus groups were conducted to assess stakeholder perspectives on the knowledge gaps amongst primary education staff elicited from the interview study. Taken together, the findings showed that although indoor air climate is generally acknowledged to be important for health and overall performance, several factors were identified that could complicate the implementation and use of novel technologies. These importantly include knowledge gaps in end users about the technology’s relevance and usefulness. The findings indicate the significance of education for end users and the necessity of understanding behavioral factors implicated in the implementation of innovative technologies for optimal efficacy of such devices.