United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
"EPA
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program
EPA402-F-02-022
Step-by-step guidance to improving the air quality in our
nation's schools
The Problem
Twenty percent of the U.S. population,
nearly 55 million people, spend their days
in our elementary and secondary schools.
Studies show that one-half of the nation's
115,000 schools have health problems
linked to poor indoor air quality (IAQ)
which can impact students' health. Students
are at particular risk to health problems such
as asthma and allergies, which are linked
to common indoor pollutants found in
schools.
Students are at particular risk because chil-
dren are especially susceptible to indoor
pollutants. Because the health and comfort
of students and staff are among the many
factors that contribute to learning and per-
formance in the classroom—which in turn
affect attendance and achievement—IAQ
issues simply cannot be ignored.
Schools that fail to respond promptly and
effectively to poor IAQ can increase indi-
vidual short-term health problems, such as
fatigue and nausea, and long-term health
problems, such as asthma. These schools
risk being shut down and having to relo-
cate staff and students to temporary facili-
ties. Poor IAQ may even lead to liability
claims and lawsuits that can damage a
school's reputation.
The Solution
IAQ Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) is a flex-
ible, comprehensive resource for your
school building's health. The IAQ TfS Kit
will help you identify, correct, and pre-
vent IAQ problems. The Kit, provided to
schools at no cost, includes easy-to-follow
checklists, videos, sample memos and poli-
cies, a recommended management plan,
and a unique IAQ problem-solving wheel.
Using some or all the tools in the Kit, school
officials can address IAQ problems and
educate staff, students, and parents about the
importance of good IAQ and everyone's role
in ensuring a healthy, comfortable learning en-
vironment. Armed with the knowledge of IAQ
and commonsense preventive measures,
schools can take care of most IAQ problems
on their own. After all, ensuring a healthy
school is an investment in your students and
staff.
To learn more about the IAQ TfS Kit, log on to
EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools,
or order a Kit by calling the IAQ INFO hotline
at (800) 438-4318.
Awards and Recognition
The IAQ TfS Awards provides incentives and
public recognition to schools and school dis-
tricts that are implementing the Kit to ensure a
healthy environment. Three award categories
are offered: Great Start, Leadership and
Excellence, each honoring schools as they
progress through the different steps of the IAQ
TfS Kit. There are school districts that have won
IAQ TfS Awards and have demonstrated out-
standing achievement and leadership in im-
proving indoor air quality. See our Web site at
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/awards for additional
information and applications.
Training and Networking
Resources
Learn from the experts! Training and network-
ing resources for schools managing indoor air
quality issues are available in a number of ven-
ues. These include our annual Symposium,
internet presentations, and specialized training
on financing, communications, mold, and fa-
cilities maintenance. See our Web site
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/index.html for
addditional information.
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