Air Quality at Kingston Secondary School Confirmed Safe

The LDSB takes feedback about heating, cooling, and indoor air quality at its schools seriously.

After a Grade 12 student published an article in the school’s e-newsletter expressing concerns about air quality and reporting CO₂ levels from their own tests, school administration requested LDSB Facility Services undertake a detailed inspection of the HVAC system. To ensure a thorough evaluation, Pinchin Ltd., an independent environmental consulting firm, was hired to assess the school’s indoor air quality.

Typical outdoor CO₂ levels range between 300 and 500 ppm. Indoor carbon dioxide concentrations consistently above 800-1,000 ppm can result in occupants experiencing symptoms such as itchy or sore eyes, drowsiness, and/or mild headaches. Exposure to much higher levels of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations (i.e. >5,000 ppm) can cause dizziness, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate. For additional information, refer to the Environmental Abatement Council of Canada (EACC) Indoor Air Quality Guideline for Non-Industrial Workplaces.

The student measured CO₂ levels in various parts of the school and reported some levels exceeding the threshold of 800 ppm.

The student’s results suggested elevated CO₂ levels, while the professional indoor air quality assessment found that all measurements were within acceptable limits during their testing period.

Differences may arise due to variations in testing methodology, equipment calibration, timing of measurements, or the presence of additional occupants during testing.

CO₂ levels in schools will vary throughout the day at different rates. The CO₂ levels will be reduced at different rates in areas of each school based on the equipment serving that space.

The professional testing focused on measuring CO₂ using the company’s technical equipment and professional environmental testing protocols. Pinchin Ltd. was not contracted to analyse testing methods or data collection that were included in the article written by the KSS student.

LDSB Facility Services speculates that because of the significant fluctuations in temperature in October HVAC systems were changing between cooling and heating causing ventilation rates to fluctuate as well. This may have caused CO₂ levels to rise in the building at various times in the day.

All HVAC equipment has various designs and technology based on the year of installation or the most recent mechanical upgrade. LDSB Facility Services updates HVAC systems annually, based on priority assessments.

During the “shoulder seasons” (spring and fall) where outdoor temperatures fluctuate significantly from daytime to nighttime, HVAC systems will operate at different speeds to heat or cool indoor spaces. The amount of fresh air and how often the air is exchanged in the indoor spaces is all part of the design of HVAC systems. The HVAC systems in LDSB schools use the ASHRAE* standard for indoor air quality to ensure adequate ventilation rates.

*American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

LDSB maintenance staff initiated a review of the building automation control system and contacted the board’s HVAC contractor to conduct a physical inspection of all ventilation equipment at KSS. After several days of testing, the equipment was verified to be functioning as per design specifications. Some minor deficiencies were identified during this inspection and rectified. These deficiencies were not significant enough to cause indoor air quality issues.

Pinchin Ltd., an experienced environmental consulting firm, was engaged by LDSB and performed an investigation of indoor air quality at KSS.

All ventilation was inspected by a mechanical contractor.

All measurements recorded were determined to be within acceptable levels based on ASHRAE Standard 62.1 -2016 for Indoor Air Quality.

The professional assessment found CO₂ levels ranging between 420 ppm and 967 ppm, all within acceptable thresholds based on industry standards.

CO₂ levels were consistently measured within acceptable limits, even during periods of increased occupancy, such as a school sporting event.

The investigation confirmed that all HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems at the school are original to the building and are maintained regularly, with filters changed every three months.

One data-logging monitor malfunctioned in Room 302, limiting the data collected. However, the results were still within acceptable criteria.

The testing focused on CO₂ levels and included a walkthrough to identify potential factors impacting air quality, such as ventilation or occupancy.

The building’s HVAC system does function properly. Findings from the Investigation of Indoor Air Quality by Pinchin Ltd. confirm the air quality at KSS/Vanier is within acceptable limits and poses no concerns.

Staff will continue to perform routine maintenance on HVAC to ensure adequate fresh air is introduced into the building.

The school will monitor feedback and air quality data and consider additional testing or adjustments as needed.

Key findings have been communicated to students, staff, and families to ensure transparency and address any ongoing concerns.

The final report is linked above on this page.

Concerns about air quality can be raised with the administration or through the school board’s Joint Health and Safety Committee for consideration.

Students or staff should report symptoms to the school administration or the school’s health and safety representatives promptly.