Assessment of CO₂ Levels in Some Kindergartens and Nurseries in the Cities of Fier and Vlora

The issue of air quality in schools, kindergartens, and nurseries is a growing concern with direct implications for children’s health and development. According to global directives, including those of the World Health Organization [16] polluted indoor air in educational settings can cause respiratory diseases, allergies, and breathing difficulties, and may adversely affect children’s learning abilities. Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in nurseries and kindergartens represents an important step toward ensuring a healthy environment for children - particularly in cities such as Vlora and Fier, which may face air pollution challenges due to urban transport activities [10]. This study aims to evaluate the air quality in educational environments of nurseries, kindergartens, and preschools in the cities of Fier and Vlora by continuously monitoring carbon dioxide concentrations and ecological factors that directly influence CO₂ levels. In total, 16 institutions (10 public and 6 private) were monitored in both cities between May and October 2025. For each institution, measurements were conducted in a single classroom, with children aged from 8 months to 6 years. CO₂, temperature, and relative humidity values were recorded using a drager instrument (gas detector).

Analysis of air quality monitoring results indicated overall good air quality, as CO₂ concentrations in all public and private institutions remained within the normal range (400-800 ppm). Statistical tests (One-Way ANOVA) conducted using SPSS software revealed significant differences between the cities of Fier and Vlora, as well as between public and private institutions, regarding the average CO₂ concentrations measured in the monitored nurseries, kindergartens, and preschools.

Keywords: CO₂, temperature, humidity, air quality, kindergarten, nursery

Background

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational settings is a growing public health concern, as children spend the majority of their time in classrooms. Poor IAQ is linked to respiratory diseases, allergies, and impaired cognitive development. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels are a primary indicator of ventilation effectiveness; high concentrations can lead to fatigue and poor concentration. This study focuses on Fier and Vlora, Albanian cities facing air pollution challenges from urban transport. The objective was to evaluate air quality in nurseries and kindergartens by monitoring CO₂ concentrations and ecological factors like temperature and humidity to ensure a healthy environment for children aged 8 months to 6 years.

Methods

This research was part of the 2025 PKZHUV project at the University of Vlora. A total of 16 institutions (10 public and 6 private) were monitored between May and October 2025. Measurements were taken in one classroom per institution using a standardized Dräger gas detector. Data was collected five days a week, one week per month, during active hours (08:00-13:00). Parameters included CO₂ (ppm), temperature (°C), and relative humidity (%). Measurements were recorded at three positions: near the window, the door, and the center of the room. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (One-Way ANOVA) and Microsoft Excel to compare data across cities and institution types.

Results

The monitoring revealed overall good air quality, with all institutions staying within the normal range of 400-800 ppm. CO₂ levels ranged from a minimum of 400 ppm to a maximum of 656 ppm (recorded in a public institution in Vlora). Temperatures fluctuated between 16.5°C and 30°C, slightly exceeding typical ranges, while humidity was between 40% and 66%. Statistical tests showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in CO2 levels between Fier and Vlora, with Vlora exhibiting higher variability and higher temperatures. In Vlora, a significant difference was also found between public and private institutions, whereas no such difference existed in Fier.

Conclusions

The study concludes that educational environments in Fier and Vlora currently comply with Albanian sanitary laws (Law No. 7643). Natural ventilation - opening windows for 10-15 minutes several times daily - is currently effective in maintaining IAQ. Vlora’s warmer and more humid climate contributes to greater fluctuations in CO₂ levels compared to Fier. While current levels are safe, the authors recommend installing continuous monitoring sensors to allow for immediate corrective actions. Furthermore, they suggest extending the research to the winter period, when reduced natural ventilation might negatively impact air quality and children's health.