185 Kindergartens and Schools in Gwangju Fail to Meet Air Quality Standards

"Passing with Only Ventilation Highlights Lack of Effectiveness"

A total of 185 kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools in the Gwangju area have fallen below the indoor air quality standards over the past three years and were required to undergo re-measurement. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of air quality management and highlighted the need for follow-up measures to improve the situation.

Kim Nayoon, Gwangju City Council Member.

On November 5, Kim Nayun, Gwangju City Council Member, stated during the administrative audit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, "Every year, there are schools that do not meet the air quality standards, but there are no clear follow-up actions. Improvement measures at the Office of Education level are necessary."

According to Kim, 79 schools underwent re-measurement in 2023, 64 schools in 2024, and 41 schools in just the first half of this year. Some schools even underwent a third round of measurement. She pointed out, "There are cases where schools that failed the initial inspection passed the re-examination simply by ventilating the classrooms."

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education conducts air quality measurements twice a year as part of regular inspections. The measurements cover four types of indoor environment factors-ventilation, lighting, temperature, and humidity-as well as 12 types of air quality factors, including formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and radon. At least three locations are selected for measurement at each school.

From 2023 to the first half of this year, the most common reason for re-measurement was total airborne bacteria, with 126 cases, followed by volatile organic compounds (26 cases) and formaldehyde (18 cases).

Kim emphasized, "This year, one kindergarten recorded volatile organic compound levels that exceeded the standard by 140 times. Practical improvement measures must be put in place after measurement to ensure that young students are not exposed to harmful substances."