Question reference: S6W-05823
- Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 January 2022
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Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 28 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of HEPA filters in school classrooms.
Answer
Expert advice from bodies including SAGE and the Health and Safety Executive indicates that air cleaning/filtration devices, such as HEPA filters, are not a substitute for efforts to improve ventilation in order to mitigate against the risks of COVID. Our guidance for schools reflects this advice, and makes clear that air cleaning/filtration devices should not be used as a substitute for natural or mechanical ventilation (including the opening of windows and doors).
Our updated guidance for schools does, however, make clear that air cleaning/filtration devices may be used as a temporary mitigation in exceptional circumstances when no other mitigations are achievable, while working to achieve a more sustainable solution.
The Scottish Government keeps its guidance under regular review in light of the latest expert advice, and will consider any necessary updates as research and evidence evolve.