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Understand problems related to indoor air quality
The Problem
Nearly 56 million people in the United States spend their days in elementary and secondary schools. According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in 1999, 43 percent of America’s public schools — about 33,800 — reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition (i.e., lighting, heating, ventilation, indoor air quality, acoustics or noise control, or physical security of the building). Approximately 25 percent of public schools reported that ventilation was unsatisfactory, while indoor air quality (IAQ) was reported to be unsatisfactory in about twenty percent of schools. Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which in turn can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. Schools that fail to respond promptly and effectively to poor IAQ run the risk of increased short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term health problems like asthma. In serious cases, schools have been shut down and have had to move staff and students to temporary facilities. Delaying remediation of IAQ problems can also be costly and may even lead to liability claims and lawsuits that can damage a school’s reputation. Clearly, IAQ issues are best addressed early and better still proactively.
The Solution
The IAQ Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a comprehensive resource that can help you maintain a healthy environment in your school buildings, by identifying, correcting, and preventing IAQ problems. The Kit is provided to schools at no cost and includes easy-to-follow checklists, videos, sample memos and policies, a recommended management plan, and a unique problem-solving wheel. Using the tools in the Kit, school officials can educate staff students, and parents about the importance of good IAQ and their roles in ensuring a healthy, comfortable. learning environment. Armed with the knowledge of good IAQ practices and commonsense preventive measures, schools can address most IAQ problems on their own. After all, ensuring a healthy school environment is an investment in your students and staff. To learn more about the IAQ TfS Kit and other resources available to you, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools or order a free Kit by calling the IAQ INFO hotline at (800) 438-4318.
Training and Networking Resources
Learn from the experts! Training and networking resources for schools managing IAQ issues are widely available. The IAQ TfS Program sponsors an annual symposium, internet presentations, and offers specialized training on financing, communications, and facilities maintenance. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/index.html for information.
Nearly 56 million people in the United States spend their days in elementary and secondary schools. According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in 1999, 43 percent of America’s public schools — about 33,800 — reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition (i.e., lighting, heating, ventilation, indoor air quality, acoustics or noise control, or physical security of the building). Approximately 25 percent of public schools reported that ventilation was unsatisfactory, while indoor air quality (IAQ) was reported to be unsatisfactory in about twenty percent of schools. Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which in turn can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. Schools that fail to respond promptly and effectively to poor IAQ run the risk of increased short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term health problems like asthma. In serious cases, schools have been shut down and have had to move staff and students to temporary facilities. Delaying remediation of IAQ problems can also be costly and may even lead to liability claims and lawsuits that can damage a school’s reputation. Clearly, IAQ issues are best addressed early and better still proactively.
The Solution
The IAQ Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a comprehensive resource that can help you maintain a healthy environment in your school buildings, by identifying, correcting, and preventing IAQ problems. The Kit is provided to schools at no cost and includes easy-to-follow checklists, videos, sample memos and policies, a recommended management plan, and a unique problem-solving wheel. Using the tools in the Kit, school officials can educate staff students, and parents about the importance of good IAQ and their roles in ensuring a healthy, comfortable. learning environment. Armed with the knowledge of good IAQ practices and commonsense preventive measures, schools can address most IAQ problems on their own. After all, ensuring a healthy school environment is an investment in your students and staff. To learn more about the IAQ TfS Kit and other resources available to you, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools or order a free Kit by calling the IAQ INFO hotline at (800) 438-4318.
Training and Networking Resources
Learn from the experts! Training and networking resources for schools managing IAQ issues are widely available. The IAQ TfS Program sponsors an annual symposium, internet presentations, and offers specialized training on financing, communications, and facilities maintenance. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/index.html for information.
Begin implementing a district-wide Tools for Schools program
Step 1.
Do you have buy-in from the superintendent and school board?
The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a flexible, comprehensive resource for a school building’s health. The district-wide approach for implementing the IAQ TfS Kit has become the standard for schools that are looking to initiate proactive indoor air quality (IAQ) practices in their school system.
Recommended action: Become familiar with the IAQ TfS Program and secure support from the superintendent and school board before beginning implementation.
Step 2.
Where do you begin?
Recommended action: Follow the steps described in How to Implement a District-wide IAQ Tools for Schools Program (J-2).
Step 3.
How can your school district be recognized for its commitment to improving the school environment for students?
The IAQ TfS Awards Program provides incentives and public recognition to schools and school districts that are implementing the Kit. Three award categories are offered: Great Start, Leadership, and Excellence, each honoring schools and school districts as they progress through the various stages of the IAQ TfS Kit. Many school districts have been recognized for outstanding achievement and leadership in improving indoor air quality. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/awards for additional information and applications.
Do you have buy-in from the superintendent and school board?
The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a flexible, comprehensive resource for a school building’s health. The district-wide approach for implementing the IAQ TfS Kit has become the standard for schools that are looking to initiate proactive indoor air quality (IAQ) practices in their school system.
Recommended action: Become familiar with the IAQ TfS Program and secure support from the superintendent and school board before beginning implementation.
Step 2.
Where do you begin?
Recommended action: Follow the steps described in How to Implement a District-wide IAQ Tools for Schools Program (J-2).
Step 3.
How can your school district be recognized for its commitment to improving the school environment for students?
The IAQ TfS Awards Program provides incentives and public recognition to schools and school districts that are implementing the Kit. Three award categories are offered: Great Start, Leadership, and Excellence, each honoring schools and school districts as they progress through the various stages of the IAQ TfS Kit. Many school districts have been recognized for outstanding achievement and leadership in improving indoor air quality. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/awards for additional information and applications.
Change custodial practices and supplies
Step 4.
What can custodians do to make the school environment better for students with asthma?
Recommended action: Train principals and custodians using Asthma Tips for Custodians (J-5).
Recommended action: Change cleaning procedures and supplies to natural products, per Natural Cleaning Agents (J-7).
What can custodians do to make the school environment better for students with asthma?
Recommended action: Train principals and custodians using Asthma Tips for Custodians (J-5).
Recommended action: Change cleaning procedures and supplies to natural products, per Natural Cleaning Agents (J-7).
Adopt a policy for carpeting and carpet cleaning
Step 5.
Is carpeting contributing to an unhealthy school environment?
Recognize the potential problematic health implications of carpeting in schools, particularly in basements and on bare concrete, where moisture and mold are potential problems. Consider carpeting those areas of schools where teachers and administrators are likely to bring in their own area rugs, mats, and carpets (e.g. places where students sit on the floor, noisy areas where carpeting is needed to buffer the echo of sound.)
Recommended action: Adopt a policy to reduce the risk of carpeting to be a source for asthma triggers. Refer to the Sample District Policy for Carpeting in Schools (J-8).
Is carpeting contributing to an unhealthy school environment?
Recognize the potential problematic health implications of carpeting in schools, particularly in basements and on bare concrete, where moisture and mold are potential problems. Consider carpeting those areas of schools where teachers and administrators are likely to bring in their own area rugs, mats, and carpets (e.g. places where students sit on the floor, noisy areas where carpeting is needed to buffer the echo of sound.)
Recommended action: Adopt a policy to reduce the risk of carpeting to be a source for asthma triggers. Refer to the Sample District Policy for Carpeting in Schools (J-8).
