The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) has revealed that many schools in the city use air conditioners without exhaust fans, leading to carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations exceeding permissible standards.

This information was presented in the HCDC's 2024 report on classroom hygiene monitoring and handwashing practices.

Between September 23 and November 27, HCDC conducted inspections at 95 schools across 22 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, assessing 3,355 classrooms and functional rooms.

Key findings include:

28% of schools (27 out of 95) met lighting requirements of ≥ 300 lux.

Only 18% of schools (17 out of 95) complied with noise level standards of ≤ 55 dBA. Schools located near busy roads or exercise areas had significantly higher noise levels.

28% of schools (27 out of 95) met CO2 concentration standards of ≤ 0.1%. Most schools that use air conditioning lack exhaust fans, resulting in CO2 levels exceeding allowable limits.

In addition to air quality monitoring, the HCDC also evaluated handwashing facilities and assessed students' knowledge about hand hygiene practices.

Findings on handwashing facilities:

100% of schools had designated handwashing areas.

91% of schools met the required student-to-sink ratio.

100% of schools provided clean water in handwashing areas.

98% of schools equipped these areas with soap or hand sanitizer.

99% of schools displayed handwashing instruction boards.

The HCDC survey also assessed student awareness:

98% of students had received education on proper handwashing.

97% of students agreed that frequent handwashing with soap is essential for health protection.

91% of students recognized the importance of instilling handwashing habits from an early age.
 

Linh Thuy