INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) IN SCHOOLS
Providing resources for School Administrators, Parents and Students
to improve the Indoor Air Quality in their schools, businesses, and homes.
Americans spend up to 90% of their time inside and “Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollution indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels.” Children are more sensitive to pollution than adults. Schools have higher numbers of people in smaller spaces than most commercial or other indoor spaces. Children are expected to be at their peak concentration and attention levels when they are in school. Pollutants can reduce the cognitive abilities of children as well as adults.
This section briefly outlines the Purpose for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools as well as the Methods used to Improve Indoor Air Quality. Examples of school districts that have successfully improved their IAQ with remarkable results in improved health, attendance and academic success of their students.
According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the biggest single reason for school absenteeism. Several products trigger asthma attacks. These asthma triggers can be significantly reduced by improving the indoor air quality in schools.
Several Methods are used to improve IAQ including: source reduction, dilution of contaminants, humidity control and filtration of particulate contaminants.
The EPA has developed a detailed Management Plan “Tools for Schools” while the Texas Department of Health has developed technical guidelines giving detailed information on improving IAQ in schools. A copy of the enabling legislation used in Texas can be used as a model for other states wishing to implement (or copy) similar voluntary IAQ guidelines for public schools. Many states have developed additional resources to provide school districts and parents guidance in improving the IAQ in their schools and homes.
Resources for Improving IAQ in Schools:
Rx for Sick Schools
Sample Documents Schools can use to purchase environmentally preferable custodial and pest control products
Custodial Products:
City of Santa Monica - Custodial Products Bid Document
Pest Control:
City of Santa Monica Integrated Pest Management Program
Integrated Pest Management - Sample Invitation to Bid Document |
