Indoor Air Quality

Today’s sealed and insulated buildings often result in indoor air that is actually more polluted than the air outside. Indoor air pollutants such as mildew, dust, mold, diesel bus exhaust, compounds in building materials, toxic cleaners and pesticides can cause asthma, headaches, rashes, chemical sensitivities and other problems for children.

In short, indoor air pollutants can inhibit a child’s ability to concentrate and learn in the school environment. The good news is, indoor air pollution can be reduced through good planning and building maintenance.

Key elements to secure good indoor air quality include:

• No-idling zones outside the school building
• Carpet-free flooring
• Non-toxic pest control
• Least-toxic and fragrance-free cleaning products
• Establishing construction-free zones during the school day
• Using low-VOC paint
• Well maintained and properly-functioning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Low humidity
• Good building maintenance (no leaking roofs, plumbing, etc.)

Resources For Schools

• CHEJ’s Green Flag Schools Program: IAQ Resource Packet
• EPA’s Tools for Schools Program
• The American Lung Association
• Healthy Schools Network
• The Center for School Mold Help
• Mothers for Clean Air
• Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Diesel Bus Report
• EPA Healthy Seat Program
• Back-to-School Environment Checklist