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ERIC Number: ED511665
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jan
Pages: 99
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Reference Guide. Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
US Environmental Protection Agency
Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed to present practical and often low-cost actions schools can take to identify and address existing or potential air quality problems. Schools can accomplish this using current school staff to perform a limited and well-defined set of basic operations and maintenance activities. However, some actions may require specialized expertise. Sections 1 and 2 of this Guide help schools understand how IAQ problems develop, the importance of good IAQ, and its impact on students, staff, and building occupants. Communicating this important information with students, staff, parents, and the community is the next step, which is outlined in Section 3. Schools dealing with an IAQ crisis will find the section on communication particularly helpful. Sections 4 to 6 contain valuable information for schools that need assistance diagnosing and responding to IAQ problems with inexpensive, practical solutions. Schools can refer to the appendices of this Guide for detailed information on IAQ-related topics including mold, radon, secondhand smoke, asthma, and portable classrooms. Schools may find the explanations of integrated pest management programs, typical indoor air pollutants, and pollutants from motor vehicles and equipment helpful while developing school policies or pinpointing sources of poor IAQ. In addition, schools investigating or resolving IAQ problems may want to refer to appendices on basic measurement equipment, hiring professional assistance, and codes and regulations. There are numerous resources available to schools through EPA and other organizations, many of which are listed in Appendix L. They can use the information in this Guide to create the best possible learning environment for students and maintain a comfortable, healthy building for school occupants. Appendices include: (1) Hiring Professional Assistance; (2) Basic Measurement Equipment; (3) Codes and Regulations; (4) Asthma; (5) Typical Indoor Air Pollutants; (6) Secondhand Smoke; (7) Radon; (8) Mold and Moisture; (9) Emissions from Motor Vehicles and Equipment; (10) Portable Classrooms; (11) Integrated Pest Management; (12) Resources; and (13) Glossary and Acronyms. An index, and list of resources are included.
US Environmental Protection Agency. 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. Tel: 202-272-0167; Web site: http://www.epa.gov
Publication Type: Guides - Non-Classroom; Reference Materials - General
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: US Environmental Protection Agency
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A