Quebec Mandates Classroom Air Quality Standards

Summary#

• This Quebec bill sets clear rules to keep classroom air healthy in public and private schools. It limits carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, requires monitors in every classroom, and makes the data public. It also requires air exchangers or purifiers in all classrooms, plus regular upkeep and inspections.
• Key changes:
  • Every classroom must have a CO2 monitor that measures levels all day, every day.
  • CO2 should stay under 1,000 ppm (parts per million). During a World Health Organization–declared pandemic, the limit is 800 ppm.
  • Schools must send CO2 data to the Education Ministry every week, and the ministry must publish it online.
  • The ministry must create an action plan for lowering high CO2 and send it to schools before each school year. Schools must follow it when levels go over the limit.
  • Every classroom must have enough air exchangers or air purifiers. The minister sets how many are needed and pays to buy and install them.
  • Schools must maintain the equipment, replace filters, and get inspections at least every six months. Inspection reports are sent to the ministry and posted online.

What it means for you#

• Students and parents
  • Classrooms will have CO2 monitors and air-cleaning equipment. You may notice displays or devices in rooms.
  • If CO2 gets too high, schools must act. This may mean opening windows, running equipment on higher settings, or moving classes.
  • Weekly classroom CO2 data and inspection reports will be posted online, so families can check air conditions.
• Teachers and staff
  • You will see CO2 monitors in your rooms and may be asked to follow steps from the action plan when levels rise.
  • Better ventilation and filtration aim to reduce stuffy rooms and may help comfort and focus.
• School service centers and private schools
  • Install continuous CO2 monitors in all classrooms within six months of the law taking effect.
  • Install the required number of air exchangers or purifiers in all classrooms within 12 months. The ministry supplies and pays for these devices and installation.
  • Send weekly CO2 data to the ministry for public posting.
  • Keep an annual inventory of devices by September 30 and submit it within 30 days.
  • Maintain devices, replace filters as the maker recommends, and arrange inspections at least twice a year. Send inspection reports to the ministry within 15 days; they will be posted online.
  • Put the ministry’s action plan into practice whenever a classroom goes over the CO2 limit.
• Ministry of Education
  • Pay for and provide enough air exchangers or purifiers for all classrooms.
  • Publish weekly CO2 data and inspection reports on your website.
  • Create, update, and share the air-quality action plan each year; keep a public log showing each school’s readings and when actions were taken.
  • Follow up on fixes after inspections and publish yearly updates by June 30.
  • Send annual CO2 data to the provincial public health director.
• General public
  • Anyone can see school-by-school classroom CO2 data and inspection results online.

Expenses#

• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Sets a clear, simple standard (1,000 ppm; 800 ppm in a pandemic) that schools must meet to keep air fresher and safer.
• Continuous monitoring and weekly public data increase transparency and accountability.
• Government-funded purchase and installation of equipment reduces the financial burden on schools.
• Regular maintenance and inspections help ensure the devices actually work over time.
• A ready-to-use action plan helps schools respond fast when CO2 gets high, including during pandemics.

Opponents' View#

• Adds costs and workload for schools to maintain devices, replace filters, run inspections, and submit weekly data.
• Tight deadlines (six and 12 months) may be hard for older buildings or areas with limited contractors or supply.
• Focusing on CO2 may not address other air issues like dust, allergens, or chemicals; public CO2 numbers could be misread without context.
• Actions to lower CO2 (like opening windows or moving classes) could disrupt lessons.
• The bill sets duties but does not spell out penalties for not meeting the standard, which could affect compliance.