Indoor air pollution at the Heinrich Heine School

The city of Jena held an event at Heinrich Heine Primary School to provide information on the current status of indoor air pollution in the school's old building and the resulting measures. School management, health officer Kathleen Lützkendorf, representatives of the health department, Kommunale Immobilien Jena and the school administration were on hand to answer questions. The most important news: classes have not been held in the affected rooms since this week.

Investigations and results

Following initial odor complaints from the teaching staff in October 2023, extensive measurements were carried out in June and October 2024. In addition, a full analysis of the drinking water was also carried out, which showed harmless values.

All measurements are carried out in close coordination with the Thuringian State Office for Consumer Protection.

Air samples were initially taken, which showed elevated levels of naphthalene in some rooms. In one specialist room, the concentrations under simulated conditions of use minimally exceeded the hazardous guideline value II. The values in two other rooms were also above the hygienic guideline value, but decreased after intensive ventilation.

These measured values do not pose an acute health risk, but suggest immediate action. This includes an increased ventilation cycle and the use of suitable air purifiers.

To investigate the causes further, the Thuringian State Office for Consumer Protection recommended core drillings in the contaminated rooms. These took place in January 2025. As a result, tar-containing soil materials were discovered as a probable source of naphthalene emissions. This material was standard as a barrier layer in the soil when the school was built in 1964/65.

Next steps

A room concept is now being drawn up with the school management and KIJ to enable the contaminated floors to be replaced quickly. Information on this will be provided regularly.