Unfortunately, almost all children who start going to school kindergarten, are sick. Typically in gardens the air does not circulate and is not purified(only periodic, often insufficient, ventilation through the windows). Stagnant air, stuffiness, heat, and high levels of carbon dioxide are an ideal environment for the rapid spread of bacteria and viruses.

For a child to breathe, it is necessary not less than 20 m 3 / h of air, accordingly, with an average number of children and staff in a group of 20 people, the minimum air exchange rate is 400 m 3 /h. Due to natural ventilation through cracks in transoms and vents (inflow no more than 5-10 m 3 / h through 1 window) it is impossible to ensure even the minimum inflow rate. Hourly full ventilation of the room with open windows, especially in the cold season, is dangerous for the health of children. Typically, kindergarten premises are ventilated only when children are out for a walk - 1-2 times a day, in cold and hot weather for only a few minutes, so that the air in the room has time to warm up/cool down before the children return.

How can I solve this problem?

1. Install supply ventilation (ventilators) of sufficient capacity, equipped with filters with the maximum level of air purification

Supply ventilation constantly supplies fresh air to the room. In the cold season, you can turn on the air heating to comfortable temperature. The ventilators are equipped with fine air filters that prevent the smallest particles of dust, pollen, viruses, allergens, bacteria, carcinogens, exhaust gases and other harmful substances, as well as odors from entering the room. The internal walls of the device are heat and noise insulated.

In this way to the kindergarten premises there will always be fresh, clean air, rich in oxygen, at the required temperature. Air exchange will improve: forced ventilation stimulates the operation of the hood.

Why will children get sick less often? Bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances will not linger indoors. Thanks to constant air circulation, the supply of clean air, normalization of CO 2 levels, the overall microclimate in the room will become healthy. Children will feel better and have stronger immunity simply by breathing clean, fresh air. For children's institutions, we primarily offer a breatherRoyal Clima Brezza with medical grade supply air purification, which has successfully proven itself in the market.

2. Use an air washer

In winter, the absolute moisture content in the street air is low, and when heating radiators are operating, the relative humidity drops to minimum values. Why is low humidity dangerous? The mucous membranes, which have the function of counteracting harmful viruses and bacteria, lose several times their effectiveness, which contributes to the development of infections and respiratory diseases,According to SanPin with requirements for the work of preschool educational institutions, relative air humidity in rooms with children should be 40-60%. However, during the heating season, humidity itself does not rise above 20-30%.

Will help solve this problem air washing, which not only increases the level of humidity, but also cleanses the room of dust, pollen, and unpleasant odors. Sinks, unlike ultrasonic humidifiers, use the traditional principle of water evaporation, so they are completely safe. The sink is easy to use: just add water to it regularly and periodically wash the drum.

3. Buy an air purifier/disinfectant

The cleaner is intended for continuous prevention against infectious diseases. It protects the room from all infections, allergens, toxins, harmful substances and odors. There are many air purifiers on the market, but for kindergartens we recommend Tion Clever, the cleaning and disinfection class in which complies with sanitary standards. We do not consider purchasing an air purifier mandatory. for all kindergartens - this is advisable if the administration does not allow the installation of ventilators (in this case, the purifier is extremely necessary for the relative normalization of the microclimate).

In Tion Clever no ultraviolet lamps– accordingly, there are no risks associated with them (harmful radiation, risk of mercury leakage, need for special disposal of the lamp). Thanks to its low noise level - quieter than the ticking of a clock - the purifier can be placed in the bedroom.

The disinfectant will attract all bacteria, viruses, spores to its filters, and purify the air of all types of contaminants. Viruses and bacteria of all types are not only disinfected on filters with an efficiency of 99.9%, but are also completely destroyed. This a sterile system whose filters will never become a source of infection, regardless of operating time.

Installing a purifier or sink- a simpler event, since such a device only needs to be hung on the wall or placed on the floor, and plugged into an outlet, and for ventilator installation you need to drill a hole in the wall. This procedure does not require approval.

Devices work most effectively when combined. Supply unit saturates the room with fresh, clean air. Air washing supports optimal level humidity and cleans the room from dust. The disinfectant purifies and sterilizes the air in the room at a deeper level. These devices will create a favorable microclimate in kindergarten and significantly reduce the incidence of illness in children.

(c) Fresh Air. Copy with URL only

An air humidifier is used to maintain normal indoor air humidity. The use of this device becomes especially relevant during the heating season and hot summer days. And families with children and the elderly need it most. In such situations, it is simply vital.

What are the dangers of insufficient indoor air humidity?

Excessive dry air has a very negative impact on the health of the respiratory system. Drying of the mucous membranes of the nose provokes their swelling and complicates physiological breathing. This is especially noticeable in infants; they feel uncomfortable sucking breasts or drinking milk from a bottle.

In older children, due to low humidity, hard crusts form in the nose. This is mucus that has dried out and does not allow air to move freely in the nasal passages. Older people tolerate such conditions more easily, but this does not mean that there are no consequences.

The mucous membrane plays the role of a kind of barrier that traps various pathogens and prevents them from penetrating into the body. A decrease in the amount of secretion produced invariably leads to the risk of developing bacterial complications in the sinuses and other parts of the respiratory tract.

Sanitary standards regarding the microclimate of residential premises (except for utility rooms, corridors, kitchens, bathrooms and toilets):

• temperature in warm time years – 18-24 °C;
• cold temperature – 20-28 °C;
• relative humidity in summer – 65%;
• relative humidity in winter – 60%;
• air speed – 0.2 m/s.

It is especially important to observe relative humidity parameters if the baby is sick or has any colds. Its decrease often causes a worsening of the severity of the condition.

Important:Humidity is important not only for mucous membranes, but also for the skin. In conditions of excessively dry air, the skin practically ceases to perform its thermoregulatory functions. And it is already quite difficult for a child (especially a newborn) to cope with changes in ambient temperature and changes in temperature resulting from processes occurring in his body. Moreover, in dry air the skin can become vulnerable and dry. Another disadvantage of low humidity is the acceleration of dust circulation - a source of bacteria and viruses in any home.

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Types of humidifiers

There are several types of devices used in everyday life for air humidification, all of them differ in certain parameters: they have different performance, power, and have their own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages.

Retail chains receive:

• traditional humidifiers;
• steam models;
• ultrasonic devices

Traditional humidifiers

Their operating principle is based on “cold” evaporation. They are economical and simple to use. They have a special tank; water is poured into it, from where it flows onto the evaporative elements. The device has a built-in fan; it sucks in dry air, and the evaporator enriches it with moisture. To increase productivity, that is, the intensity of evaporation, it is necessary to place such a humidifier near a heat source, which will ensure higher air circulation.

The maximum humidity when operating such a device is up to 60%. When choosing a traditional humidifier, be sure to pay attention to the presence of an antibacterial cassette - with its help, the air is disinfected from pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

The main advantage of such devices is the “naturalness” of evaporation: water simply evaporates from a certain area of ​​surfaces that are constantly wetted. When moisture evaporates, it immediately goes into a vapor state. The important thing is that minerals and impurities from the water remain inside and do not enter the air.

Note:The evaporation rate of the humidifier depends on the humidity in the room. The smaller it is, the more intensively the device works. Air saturated with moisture is perceived by the body very easily and comfortably.

The same traditional types of devices include “air washers”. They have wetted flat discs mounted on an axle (rotating). The disks on the axle are partially immersed in water. Rotating, they are wetted in the bath and immediately dry above the surface of the water from the fan. The air between the discs is saturated with moisture, the dust from it settles on the wet disc and is washed off. This type of humidifier simultaneously saturates the air with moisture and cleans it. There are two types of designs of such devices. In the first, the discs are located in a reservoir bath, and in the second, in a reservoir that is removable. They also have some noise levels when operating in maximum performance mode.

Steam humidifier

Its operating principle is based on"hot" evaporation. In the device, water is heated by two electrodes, and it is converted into steam after it reaches its maximum temperature. A steam humidifier allows you to increase humidity by more than 60%.

This type of device is very convenient to use. When the water runs out during operation, it turns off on its own. There is no need to purchase additional cartridges, filters, etc. The steam humidifier has high performance; the moisture it sprays contains no impurities. Hot evaporation ensures sterility.

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the steam type of humidifiers consumes quite a lot of energy (not all models) and it must be cleaned frequently (to remove scale).

Ultrasonic humidifiers

This is the most popular type of humidification device. All implemented models operate on the basis of high-frequency oscillations capable of converting water into microdispersed particles. They are equipped with a special piezoceramic emitter with silver-plated electrodes. When the electrical circuit is closed, the emitter begins to vibrate at such a speed that it creates ultrasonic waves that can tear off individual particles from the surface of the water. Fog (cold steam) forms in the chamber above the emitter; it is blown out by a fan.

Moisture entering the room gradually dries and saturates the air. In case of increased dryness, the drops dry while still in the air. This type is recommended for use in children's rooms, because... it reduces the risk of burns to zero.

Some advanced ultrasonic models are equipped with a hygrometer, an ultraviolet lamp, a filter cartridge for water softening, an air ionizer, and a remote control. remote control,LCD display. To ensure safety, both simpler models and climate control systems are equipped with special automation that turns off the device when the water level drops critically or overturns.

Note! Important advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers include noiselessness, production of mist instead of steam, ergonomics, small size and the ability to repair in case of breakdowns.

The main disadvantage of the device is that, along with water, impurities and various minerals enter the air from it, as a result a small salt coating with a whitish tint appears on the furniture, floor and walls. If these salts do not cause any harm to a healthy person, then inhalation of vapors with salt ingredients by allergy sufferers and asthmatics can lead to new attacks and deterioration of well-being.

Ideally, an ultrasonic humidifier should use water from a home filter system (the first stage of reverse osmosis).

Important: with regard to any type of humidifier, it is worth noting that when the device is turned on, it is worthwhile to conduct airing and ventilation at the same time. The products of human gas exchange must be removed from the premises.

Optimal indoor microclimate

With the birth of a child, we immediately think about the microclimate in the house and try to create the most comfortable conditions for the baby. Common truths, replicated in paediatrics brochures, say that the air in a children's room should have a humidity of at least 40% (ideally 50-60%) and a temperature no higher than 22° C (ideally 19-20 ° C). After taking care of the baby at home, it seems to us that we have done everything necessary.

The danger of dry air in kindergartens

The child grows up, spending more and more time outside the home: first, developmental circles for the little ones, then preparatory groups in kindergarten, and finally, most children begin their first independent life.I am life in kindergarten. Some are sent to a nursery group from the age of 3, while others begin to attend kindergarten to prepare for school. By placing our child in the care of the kindergarten staff, we believe that all conditions have been created for him: developmental activities with teachers, games, naps, three meals a day. We monitor this very closely, but for some reason we completely forget about another important point in the health and development of our child - the microclimate of the room where he spends most of the day. Unfortunately, the vast majority of child care institutions do not monitor this. In winter, in groups, the central heating radiators are heated to the limit, the air temperature can reach 27-30° C, the rooms are ventilated little and rarely (if this happens at all), and there is no need to talk about air humidity in such conditions. But we know that viruses spread instantly in dry and warm air; it has been proven that the influenza virus also actively multiplies in such conditions. Everyone is familiar with the situation when inattentive parents bring a child with the first signs of an acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection to kindergarten, and then half the group falls ill. For children with allergies, their health may worsen, since at low humidity, dust does not settle on surfaces that can be regularly wiped by a nanny, but is constantly in dry air.

How to choose a humidifier for kindergarten

What to do? Until concern for air quality in children's institutions becomes part of the federal child welfare program, take matters into your own hands. Each group has a parent committee that resolves pressing issues of the children's group. In general, not much is required; first, install a thermohygrometer in the group (special measuring device, which records the temperature and humidity of the air in the room), it will help you figure out how serious the situation is, and what parameters to focus on when choosing a humidifier.

So, the first (ideal option): thermostats are installed on the batteries in the group, with the help of which the teachers make sure that the room is not very hot, the group is constantly ventilated. In this case, you can installThere are two types of air humidifiers: an ultrasonic air humidifier or an air washer.

The second option (the most common): there are no thermostats on batteries, the room is rarely ventilated. Only . can cope here.
The fact is that the performance of an ultrasonic humidifier does not depend on the conditions external environment, it releases a certain amount of moisture from itself in the form of fog. Performance depends on its technical characteristics (membrane oscillation speed, water tank volume, fan power that expels water mist outside, etc.). Taking into account all these and other parameters, most companies indicate the overall performance of the device, measured in g/h; The higher it is, the more efficiently the device humidifies the air, and the larger area it can serve.
Plain water from the tap may turn out to be quite hard, and since the teacher’s assistant will not have the opportunity to pour bottled or filtered water into the humidifier, it is better to take care in advance of purchasing an anti-calcium cartridge, which is inserted inside the device and prevents sediment and impurities from escaping along with water mist out .

To prevent children from reaching the device, it is better to install the humidifier outside the children's play area, or on high level, for example, on a shelf.
Well, all that remains is to choose a humidifier that will not only effectively humidify the air in the kindergarten group, but will also be able to decorate it.

According to modern sanitary standards, relative humidity in preschool institutions should not be lower than 40-60%. In practice, in winter in groups the humidity often does not exceed 25%, which is comparable to the dry air in the Sahara Desert. In Russia, the heating season lasts for six months, which means that all this time children in kindergartens are forced to breathe insufficiently humidified air, because the higher the temperature in the rooms, the drier the air.

Experts say that dry air is dangerous and can cause considerable harm to children's health. The fact is that the mucous membranes of the child’s respiratory tract come into contact with a huge number of pathogens every day. However, encountering a pathogen does not always lead to the development of infection. The mucous membranes are capable of retaining and destroying bacteria at the site of their introduction - this is how local immunity manifests itself.

What happens to the body of a child forced to spend a lot of time in a dry microclimate? Insufficiently humid air leads to drying out of the mucous membranes, and, therefore, to a violation of local immunity. Dried mucus is an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, and, consequently, the cause of bronchitis, sinusitis and otitis.

In addition, under the influence of dry air, the susceptibility of mucous membranes to allergens and dust increases, and the child’s risk of developing allergic pathology increases, including asthma.

Excessively dry air in kindergarten dries out delicate baby skin, thereby not only creating discomfort for the baby, but also reducing its natural protective properties.

Compared to adults, young children are more in need of the right microclimate, since due to a more intense metabolism, the children's body produces more heat. A dry atmosphere contributes to increased sweating and loss of fluid through breathing, which, in turn, leads to blood thickening and even impaired kidney function.

If we take these factors into account, it becomes clear that a humidifier in a kindergarten today is not a luxury, but a reasonable concern for the health of children. Experts do not recommend installing steam humidifiers, but ultrasonic devices will be the best option for preschools.

Today, ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the most effective and safe. Their action is based on the following mechanism: water from the tank is supplied to a plate that vibrates at high speed, where it is split into small splashes. Tiny droplets form a cloud through which a fan blows the surrounding air. In other words, an ultrasonic humidifier generates mist at home. The device operates almost silently and is safe for both children and adults.

Special points to consider when choosing air purifiers and humidifiers for child care facilities.

What do you need to know about air and purification devices when choosing equipment for childcare facilities?

• Air disinfection devices are mandatory for installation only in medical offices. The installation of air purifiers in kindergarten groups is recommended by sanitary doctors, but is not mandatory. Therefore, most often, their purchase is carried out by parents.
• Devices must have certificates of conformity. Certificates of registration for medical equipment are not required when installing devices in bedrooms and playrooms.
• When selecting an air purifier, it is necessary to take into account that a large number of children in one room complicates the task of air disinfection. Choose devices with a large performance reserve.
• The rate of spread of infection and the severity of the disease depend on the number of viruses that have entered the human body and the readiness of the immune system to resist pathogens.
• Air purification devices can reduce the concentration of pathogenic microflora in the indoor atmosphere several times. These devices have long been used in healthcare settings and significantly reduce the risk of infection transmission. But there are no devices capable of 100% purifying the air of viruses and bacteria in a room where people are present.
• During epidemics, air disinfection devices can significantly reduce the likelihood of the spread of disease, but it is equally important to ensure a healthy atmosphere in rooms where children are present for a long time throughout the year. This will strengthen the body's defenses. Viruses attack everyone, but not everyone gets sick, and those who get sick experience the disease differently.
• The dirty air of city streets and especially indoors weakens the immune system. Fresh air- enhances.
• Rospotrebnadzor has determined the following air environment parameters for preschool children's organizations. (SAHPIN 2.4.1.3049-13) The air temperature in the playroom is not lower than 21 C. The bedroom is not lower than 19 C. Relative humidity is 40-60%. The air exchange rate is 1.5-2.5. Airing for 10 minutes every 1.5 hours. The concentration of harmful air substances in rooms where children are constantly present should not exceed maximum permissible concentrations (MPC). These norms are not always observed for various reasons. This is especially true for ventilation and maintaining the required humidity.

What air purification devices can be used in kindergartens and schools?

• medical bactericidal ultraviolet irradiators - recirculators.
• medical photocatalytic air purifiers
• household and industrial air purification devices including ionizers.
• household and industrial air humidifiers.
• medical air humidifiers with volumetric disinfection function.

Each type of device has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read more below

Bactericidal recirculator or closed-type UV irradiator.

A bactericidal recirculator or closed-type UV irradiator is a medical device for disinfecting air in the presence of people. Used throughout hospitals. The most popular in kindergartens. The action is based on ultraviolet irradiation of air passing through the chamber under the influence of fans.

Very simple to implement. They consist of a housing, ultraviolet spectrum lamps, a fan, power supplies and control units. As a rule, they have a lamp operating time counter. Thanks to the protective screen, ultraviolet rays do not escape beyond the device. Lamps must be replaced after 8000 - 9000 hours.

OPEN type illuminators are distinguished by the absence of fans and the absence of a protective screen in the housing. The action is based on direct irradiation of the entire volume of air in the room in the absence of people. It is not advisable to use such devices in children's institutions.

Advantages of bactericidal recirculators

• They have been used in medical institutions for a long time. There are Roszdravnadzor certificates for all devices
• High level of consumer confidence.
• Easy to maintain.
• High rates of air purification from viruses and bacteria
• Ultraviolet rays can neutralize some toxic chemicals.
• When air is irradiated, the ion balance is restored.

Disadvantages of bactericidal recirculators

• It is necessary to change lamps after 8000-9000 hours. (1 year of continuous work)
• They do not remove dust, aerosols, mold spores and some bacteria from the air.
• Low efficiency in purifying air from toxic chemical compounds.

Bactericidal recirculators different manufacturers have virtually no significant differences. All use standard 15 and 30 watt lamps and commercially available fans for system units. The main differences between devices from different brands are price and case design.

Photocatalytic air purifiers.

A photocatalytic purifier is a relatively new type of device used for cleaning and disinfecting air in medical institutions, in industry and in everyday life. The principle of operation is the oxidation and destruction of microorganisms and toxic chemical compounds on a catalyst under the influence of ultraviolet rays. They have a wider spectrum of action than UV recirculators. Cleaning is carried out in the presence of people. All photocatalytic cleaners have dust filters.

Pros of photocatalytic air purifiers.

• Used in medical institutions. Some devices have Roszdravnadzor certificates.
• High rates of air purification from viruses, bacteria, mold spores.
• They purify the air from most toxic chemical compounds.
• Cleans the air from dust and aerosols.
• When cleaning the air, the ion balance is restored

Cons of photocatalytic air purifiers.

• Dust filters need to be changed every 4 to 12 months. (depending on model)

Spraying disinfectant solutions in the presence of people - comparatively new way combating airborne infections. The technology is simple and effective. Water containing active components is sprayed using an ultrasonic humidifier. Silver ions or ozone dissolved in water are used as a disinfectant. To date, Roszdravnadzor has approved only devices using silver ions (Aquacom humidifiers) for use in medical institutions. The effectiveness of this equipment has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies.

The main advantage of these technologies is that processing is carried out simultaneously throughout the entire volume of the room.

The second significant advantage is that these devices are able to maintain the required humidity in the room.

The disadvantages include the need for daily maintenance - adding water.

How do medical devices differ from household devices?

• Medical devices have certificates confirming their effectiveness against the tested types of bacteria and viruses.
• Medical devices, as a rule, have lower performance than household devices at the same price.
• Household appliances have more cleaning stages.
• Household appliances have a more modern and high-quality design and a more modern control system.
• Both household and medical devices are safe for use in the presence of children.

How to choose a device for a specific room?

• An air purifier can only effectively purify the air in the room where it is installed.
• The performance of the device must correspond to the volume of the room. Manufacturers of medical equipment recommend passing the entire volume of room air through a recirculator once in one hour. But in kindergartens the population density is very high. Several times more than in hospitals. Therefore, it is worth increasing the air circulation rate. The more air passes through the device, the lower the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in the air will be. According to various estimates, the optimal rate of air circulation through the device is from 1 to 3. I.e. the entire volume of air should pass through the device one to three times per hour. For example. The volume of the game room is 100 cubic meters. You need a device with a capacity of 100 to 300 m3 per hour.
  
• Two devices with a capacity of 50 m3/h. located in different places in the room is better than one per 100 m3/h.
  

Mobile or stationary.

• This can be dangerous because... the device is within reach of children. Children can try playing with it. The device is not very stable, and most recirculators have mercury lamps installed inside them.
• We know from experience that a mobile device does not actually move during operation. When purchasing, many expect that the staff will move it from room to room after the children, but this does not happen. The device is located in one corner, and is not always turned on, because... They forget to turn it on after moving.
• A mobile device takes up a lot of space.
• A mobile device is more expensive than a stationary one. Often for the same money you can buy two stationary ones.
• The air disinfection device does NOT have an immediate effect. He needs time to clear the air. It is better for the device to work constantly.
• As experience shows, disinfection devices that no one moves or touches work most effectively, i.e. according to the “set it and forget it” principle.

How often should the air disinfection device be turned on?

The air purifier must operate continuously in the presence of people. People breathe continuously and exhale viruses and bacteria along with the air.

The best option would be to install a device with a weekly timer. The device will turn on itself in the morning and turn off in the evening, skipping the weekend. And you will only need to approach such a device to replace lamps or filters.

Unfortunately, most medical devices do not have daily or weekly timers, and only a few can operate from an external timer. It is better not to turn off such devices, otherwise they will forget to turn it on.

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