South Ayrshire schools have been scanned for poor ventilation in the fight against Covid, an MSP has revealed.
Ayr, Prestwick and Troon SNP MSP Siobhian Brown says the new CO2 monitors have been deployed across September and October across the local council’s school estate using 210 devices.
The monitors have been designed to pick up areas where there is poor ventilation and are being used to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Scottish Government has pledged £10 million of funding to the project after an agreement with COSLA was reached earlier this year.
Ms Brown has confirmed South Ayrshire Council were given £198,000 for the roll-out. She also brought the issue to the fore at Holyrood during a session on Tuesday.
Of the South Ayrshire schools scanned, remedial work has been undertaken to fix issues such as faulty windows.
Council crews will now go across the school estate in January to re-scan buildings with the local authority purchasing an additional 400 devices.
Ms Brown said: “In my role as convenor of the Covid-19 recovery committee, we have taken evidence on ventilation as part of our inquiry into health measures.
"The Scottish Government has clear guidance on reducing the risk of infection through ventilation.
“We know the importance of fresh air and we are always looking at new ways to stop the spread.”
Ms Brown also confirmed that council teams conducted trials in two schools with devices that emit UV light which purifies the air when attached to mechanical ventilation systems.
However, the system is proven to be more effective when windows and doors are closed.
Ms Brown added: “More tests need to be done and the Scottish Government will need to consult with COSLA.”
She raised concerns over additional ventilation in schools leading to classrooms becoming colder and that constituents shared those concerns.
“I raised this issue with the cabinet secretary for education and skills, Shirley-Anne Sommerville," said Ms Brown, "as I know many of my constituents are concerned about the issue of low temperatures in classrooms due to the need for adequate ventilation.
“Ms Sommerville told me that updated guidance has been issued to schools to balance the need for adequate ventilation with managing temperatures in classrooms and measures that can be taken will be dependent on local circumstances.”
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