The first discussion of the campaign “What do you breathе?” was held in the space of Social Innovators Bulgaria with the participation of institutions, media and principals of the capital’s schools. Hristo Atanasov – visionary of the campaign and owner of qnectd (IoT – internet of things company), which installs sensors in schools – presented the software and the operation of the devices. The discussion was attended by Vanya Kastreva, head of the Regional Department of Education Sofia-city, Asen Alexandrov – director of the 51st SU “Elisaveta Bagryana” and chairman of the Union of Directors in Secondary Education, Ivaylo Bonev – founder of Technokrati, Dr. Maria Titopoulou – doctor of social medicine and deputy manager of LOT-CONSULT, expert in microclimate and healthy working environment, Georgi Popovyanski – manager of NetIns Insurance Brokers and Victoria Uzunova from the international women’s organization Soroptimist, representatives of the media and schools.
The meeting began with a presentation of the current situation of air quality in schools. The results of the first free sensors installed in schools in Ruse and Sofia were presented. The data shows that the air in classrooms is very polluted and may even be more harmful than the air in the street. This is a serious threat to the health of children and teachers who spend a lot of time indoors.
Within the framework of the campaign “What do you breathe?”, a new approach to measuring air quality in schools will be developed – using special devices that will display information about pollution in real time.
Carbon dioxide measurement technology solutions will help teachers determine when to ventilate the classroom.
The sensors will monitor the air quality in real time and help the school management to react quickly and efficiently.
“The only way to guarantee quality air is by regularly ventilating the rooms. This is especially important during the winter months, when the classrooms are closed and heated.” – said Hristo Atanasov. – Devices for measuring air quality in classrooms can be very useful, both for assessing air quality and for regulating heating and ventilation. This can help reduce the risk of diseases and increase the productivity and concentration of students,” he added.
The first school in Sofia to have sensors installed is 51 “Elisaveta Bagryana” Secondary School. “It is important to cultivate a culture of proper ventilation of rooms. In this way, we teach children and parents how to maintain healthy air in their home as well. This will help to improve our overall quality of life. – shared Asen Alexandrov, director of the school.
The campaign “What do you breathe?” will initiate discussions every month in one of the major regional cities of the country. They will involve experts from the Municipalities, the schools in the city, local media and civil organizations. The aim is to raise awareness and draw attention to the seriousness of the issue.
The next meeting will be held on March 30 in Plovdiv.