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. ------- |