Surface coating of floors significantly reduces dust

FJORDSKOLEN AABENRAA KOMMUNE

Floor surface coating significantly reduces dust

“The solution using a dust-binding agent as part of floor cleaning has proven surprisingly effective. Less dust improves indoor air quality without requiring changes to existing cleaning routines.”

Staff at Fjordskolen suspected excessive levels of airborne dust and poor indoor air quality. In collaboration with the school’s cleaning service provider, a dust-binding agent was introduced into the daily cleaning routine in the form of a 100% biodegradable cleaning and care product.

Fjordskolen is a special needs school with many vulnerable children, making it particularly important that any solution does not disrupt everyday school life. Before-and-after measurements document a reduction in airborne dust of at least 40%. Indoor air quality is also perceived as noticeably improved, with expectations of reduced sickness absence among both pupils and staff.

Demonstrated value

The project demonstrates how an innovative product can be seamlessly integrated into existing cleaning routines while significantly reducing airborne dust levels. The financial investment is limited and is expected to be outweighed by the positive effects of improved indoor air quality.

As an added benefit, the dust-binding agent is biodegradable and helps make floors less slippery. The solution does not interfere with daily teaching activities, which is essential in a school environment. It can be incorporated into standard cleaning routines, simplifying implementation, even though correct use does require staff training.

What was done in this example?

The health and safety group at Fjordskolen raised concerns about indoor air quality, particularly due to high levels of airborne dust. The idea for the project arose following a recommendation from the municipality’s service partner and cleaning contractor, who proposed a trial using a dust-binding agent.

Technical solution

The dust-binding agent is a Danish-produced, 100% biodegradable cleaning and care product suitable for all floor types. It binds dust to the floor surface and is free from fragrance and preservatives, with no hazard labelling requirements.

During the cleaning process, the floor is coated with a thin layer that binds dust, reduces resuspension into the air and makes the surface less slippery. Floors also appear cleaner and more polished, contributing to the overall perception of cleanliness.

Certified cleaning staff were able to implement the coating easily as part of their daily routines, ensuring that the solution caused no disturbance to either the vulnerable pupils or school staff.

The project was carried out in close collaboration with the school’s health and safety group. During the test period, the manufacturer conducted baseline dust measurements at several critical locations across the school. After one month of using the dust-binding agent, follow-up measurements showed dust reductions ranging from 38% to 96%.

Due to these strong results, the dust-binding agent is now applied twice weekly and has become a permanent part of the school’s cleaning practice.

The Occupational Medicine Clinic in Esbjerg later produced a report on Fjordskolen’s indoor environment based on interviews with school staff covering a wide range of indoor climate parameters. Specifically regarding dust, staff assessments were more positive than before the introduction of the dust-binding agent and more favourable compared with a reference group of 41 Danish workplaces.

Expected long-term effects

No long-term data has yet been collected to document the full effects of the improved indoor environment. However, it is widely accepted that dust contributes to the spread of bacteria and house dust mites and increases the risk of allergies and other illnesses.

In addition to improved wellbeing and reduced sickness absence, the manufacturer highlights potential cost savings, including:

  • Fewer replacements of ventilation system dust filters

  • Possible energy savings

  • Extended lifespan of dust-sensitive equipment such as AV systems

Expected outcomes

  • Reduction in airborne dust of at least 40%

  • Reduced sickness absence

  • Savings on ventilation air filters

Funding

Fjordskolen covers an additional annual cleaning cost of approximately DKK 40,000.
The school is part of a larger cleaning contract between Aabenraa Municipality and Forenede Service.

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