LA Schools' Accidental Experiment: Air Filters Boost Test Scores

Following a near-miss emergency caused by the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak, many Los Angeles schools installed air filters. Surprisingly, student test scores significantly increased, with gains sustained into the following year. Research suggests that even in areas with normal air pollution levels, simple air filters improved student performance, offering a cost-effective strategy for boosting educational outcomes. This finding highlights the link between air quality and cognitive function and suggests a new avenue for addressing educational equity.