Berlin/Karlsruhe, July, 22nd 2021 +++ Schools and daycare centers have to examine in which rooms mobile air cleaners should be used. This is recommended by the Federal Environment Agency. Palas provides the solution to this problem: with thePAG 1000 and theAQ Guard, the Karlsruhe-based company now offers two devices for simulating and precisely measuring particle concentrations in rooms. In taking this approach, school authorities can fulfil their responsibility and determine the actual need for room air cleaners.

To enable safe in-person teaching and on-site childcare in schools and daycare centers during the upcoming fall and winter seasons, the aerosol-based risk of infection must be reduced using mobile air purifiers - in addition to the well-known “AHA+L” hygiene measures.

Differentiated Needs Assessment Before Purchase

Since July 9, 2021, the German Environment Agency (UBA) has recommended the use of such devices in principle - but not universally - in so-called Category 2 rooms with limited ventilation options (no mechanical ventilation system, windows that only tilt open, or ventilation flaps with minimal cross-section). For these Category 2 rooms, the UBA advises that decision-makers test and confirm the filter effectiveness on-site under real-life conditions. Proper positioning and appropriate operation are also essential.

This places the responsibility on school and daycare authorities to take action and decide what measures to implement. This is exactly where Palas GmbH offers support - as a leading developer and manufacturer of high-precision instruments for the generation and measurement of airborne particles and for evaluating filters.

Simulation and Measurement as a Basis for Decision-Making

To avoid performing tests during ongoing school operations, simulations can be used. For example, the Palas aerosol generator PAG 1000 can be used during school breaks to generate test aerosols within the virus-relevant particle size range.

With the compact, shoebox-sized aerosol spectrometer AQ Guard, aerosol-based infection risks can be measured on-site, and room situations can be compared statistically. This allows both the aerosol concentration in the room and the corresponding decay rate to be determined—with and without the use of an air purifier. During a measurement, the device detects particles as small as 150 nm and automatically generates a clear PDF report for documentation purposes.

Avoiding Misguided Investments

By applying this approach to all Category 2 rooms (as defined by the UBA) in a school or daycare center, ventilation conditions can be objectively assessed, the actual need for mobile air purifiers determined, and their effectiveness demonstrated as required by the UBA. After a short online training session, the measurements can be carried out independently.

“No half measures,” urges Dr. Maximilian Weiß, Managing Director of Palas GmbH, calling on all decision-makers to deploy air purifiers in a targeted and effective manner. “What matters first is knowing where and how air purifiers achieve their best performance. With our instruments, we can conduct meaningful simulations and measurements—laying the groundwork for the right actions.”

Protecting Health through Regular Efficiency Monitoring

For proper operation and long-term protection of health, investing in a Palas AQ Guard is also a valuable long-term decision. The device enables simple, on-site periodic checks of filter efficiency, which can be easily documented.

Press Contact:

Palas GmbH
Sarah Kunath
Corporate Communication
Phone: +49 721 96213132
Email: Sarah.Kunath@palas.de

Bild 1: Versuchsaufbau in einem Klassenzimmer

Bild 2: AQ Guard

Bild 3: PAG 1000

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