Dorm Room Air Quality: More Than Just a Number

Investigating the impact of poor air quality on student health and the need for improved air ventilation systems in dorms.

image by: Linda Wang '27

When students return to their dorm rooms after a long day of classes, the last thing on their minds is the invisible environment around them: the air. Air quality in dorms can be just as critical to student health and wellbeing as sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Older buildings that lack modern HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to poor air circulation. Mold, dust, along with other indoor pollutants accumulate in these spaces, creating musty odors and fostering the growth of germs. Beyond being unpleasant, these pollutants can disrupt sleep, impair respiratory health, and, in the long run, compromise the overall wellbeing of young people.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to long-term physical and mental damage. According to the National Library of Medicine, levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in poorly-ventilated homes can reach 100 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. This disparity can be attributed to hidden culprits like asbestos-containing insulation in building materials, harmful volatile organic compounds from newly installed carpeting, and formaldehyde from certain wood pressed products. Inhaling these pollutants can weaken the immune system of youth against pathogens in the respiratory tract. Exposure to bacteria and chemicals from construction materials leaves the respiratory tract more vulnerable to developing infections. Thus, places with high occupancy but poor air ventilation are often associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations and respiratory tract infections. 

Boarding students and teachers give insight into the dorm air quality and the potential consequences on respiratory health. “With multiple people in a room, it can get really cramped and a little suffocating.” commented Haewon Kim, a sophomore living in Kravis, “The only ventilation currently possible is the window, but bugs can fly in during fall and the heating in winter makes the air too dry. Also you wouldn’t want to open your door all the time.” Others have also noticed mold creeping in during the spring when humidity strikes.

Environmental factors vary across dorms as well. Steve Ma, a sophomore who has lived in both Landry and Kravis, noted that “Kravis faces the field, but Landry, perched on a hill, has a much better wind flow generally.” Indeed, location mediates air ventilation. Hygiene and daily habits, he added, can also influence how one perceives air quality. Lauren Chan reflected on her years across multiple dorms: “air quality has more to do with space. Some of the boys' dorms could be good examples. I feel like Landry may have great air quality due to its spaciousness; meanwhile, Clay…I doubt it.” 

Faculty perspectives are more varied. Dr. Laws, a dorm parent in Kravis, observed, “Some of the dorms, especially at the start and end of the year, can be a little bit warm, but generally the air quality to me seems pretty good on nights where the windows are open and there is a cool breeze coming in.” Still, many students feel that the solution lies in structural improvement. “If we had air vents that would be super helpful,” Haewon remarked. 

Investing in better dorm ventilation systems seems worthy of consideration. Increased air flow maintains respiratory health, prevents the growth of mold, and ensures better quality of life in a home away from home. As suggested by students, air vents are effective in controlling moisture and removing indoor pollutants. Moreover, choosing wooden floor or tiles over carpet eliminates the spread of volatile organic compounds. Finally, the installation of air purifiers in corridors can maximize clean air circulation while minimizing the cost of installation in rooms.

Alongside understanding the science behind air quality, improvements in dorm room air quality not only reduces the spread of illness, but also promotes higher productivity and uplifting moods. Dorms, after all, are a second home. Investing in the air students breathe is ultimately an investment in their health, happiness, and capacity to thrive. 

Lucy Wu ‘28