Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools

Environmental Protection Agency

Purpose:

To reduce exposures to indoor environmental contaminants in schools through the voluntary adoption of sound indoor air quality management practices

Target Population:

Schools

Program Goals:

• Improve indoor air quality at schools
• Help school staff identify, correct and prevent indoor air quality problems

Years in Operation:

1995 - present

Funding:

EPA funds the tools. Schools fund any improvements needed.

Structure and Operations:

The program provides products, materials and tools at no cost to help schools implement an indoor air quality management program. In addition, specialized fact sheets, brochures and software programs are available to provide in-depth information on environmental topics.

A complementary program, School Nurse Asthma Management Program, provides training for school nurses to lead development of school asthma management plans.

Schools demonstrating environmental excellence compete for the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) National Excellence Award. Ridgefield (Conn.) Public Schools recently won for its achievements:

Mold found on carpeting, requiring a series of renovation and construction projects, gave Ridgefield Public Schools incentive to implement IAQ Tools for Schools in 2003. The district immediately hired an IAQ Coordinator along with two heating, venting and air conditioning mechanics. Each school then established an IAQ team that received training from the Connecticut Department of Health. Since implementation, the district has noticeably cleaner and drier buildings, fewer teacher and staff health problems, fewer student visits to the school nurse for breathing difficulties, and a decrease in absenteeism each year.

More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/index.html

http://www.nasn.org/Portals/0/education/flyersnamp.pdf

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