IAQ Regulation to Cover 6,000+ Preschools

Protecting children: IAQ regulation to cover 6,000+ preschools

(Min-Lung Hong, compiled report) 2017-05-01

After regulating 16 categories of large public venues such as cinemas and train stations for indoor air quality, Taiwan's EPA is extending oversight to smaller venues. The first wave targets more than 6,000 preschools most susceptible to pollution. Preschools with 200+ children and public kindergartens attached to elementary schools will be regulated first, with the EPA expected to announce the phase-in during the second half of next year for 2019 enforcement; non-compliant operators face fines of NT$50,000 to NT$250,000.

EPA testing showed that preschool pollutants accumulate in classrooms with closed doors and windows after class. Levels drop quickly once doors and windows open at 08:00, but a second pollution peak appears around noon — linked to many preschools switching on air conditioning after 10:00 and sealing the rooms.

Children's respiratory systems are particularly sensitive, and they spend more than a third of each day in preschool environments. The primary pollutants to be monitored include CO₂, CO, bacteria and formaldehyde. To avoid passing compliance costs to parents, the EPA will phase enforcement starting with larger preschools (200+ children) and public kindergartens attached to elementary schools, while working with the Ministry of Education to guide other preschools on self-management.

The EPA plans to announce the scope in the second half of next year with a six-month buffer before enforcement begins in 2019. Non-compliant venues will be required to remediate within a deadline, with fines of NT$50,000–250,000 if they fail a follow-up inspection.

Source-level remedies include prohibiting idling vehicles around preschools, installing barriers around pollution sources, covering waste bins, opening windows for natural dilution, and upgrading ventilation-system filtration.

Source: Apple Daily