ŁEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA402-F-03-011
//4Q Tools for Schools
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program
Step-by-step guidance to improving the air quality in our nation's schools
The Problem
Nearly 56 million people in the United States spend their days
in elementary and secondary schools. According to the De-
partment of Education's National Center for Education Statis-
tics, in 1999, 43 percent of America's public schools—about
33,800—reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental
condition (i.e., lighting, heating, ventilation, indoor air qual-
ity, acoustics or noise control, or physical security of the build-
ing). Approximately 25 percent of public schools reported that
ventilation was unsatisfactory, while indoor air quality (IAQ)
was reported to be unsatisfactory in about twenty percent of
schools. Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and
health of students and staff, which in turn can affect concen-
tration, attendance, and student performance.
Schools that fail to respond promptly and effectively to poor
IAQ run the risk of increased short-term health problems, such
as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term health problems like
asthma. In serious cases, schools have been shut down and have
had to move staff and students to temporary facilities. Delay-
ing remediation of IAQ problems can also be costly and may
even lead to liability claims and lawsuits that can damage a
school's reputation. Clearly, IAQ issues are best addressed early
and better still proactively.
The Solution
The IAQ Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a comprehen-
sive resource that can help you maintain a healthy environ-
ment in your school buildings, by identifying, correcting, and
preventing lAQproblems. The Kit is provided to schools at no
cost and includes easy-to-follow checklists, videos, sample
memos and policies, a recommended management plan, and a
unique problem-solving wheel. Using the tools in the Kit, school
officials can educate staff, students, and parents about the im-
portance of good IAQ and their roles in ensuring a healthy,
comfortable learning environment. Armed with the knowledge
of good lAQpractices and commonsense preventive measures,
schools can address most IAQ problems on their own. After
all, ensuring a healthy school environment is an investment in
your students and staff.
To learn more about the IAQ TJS Kit and other resources avail-
able to you, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools.
or order a free Kit by calling the IAQ INFO hotline at (800)
438-4318.
Awards and Recognition
The IAQ TfS Awards Program provides incentives and public
recognition to schools and school districts that are implement-
ing the Kit. Three award categories are offered: Great Start,
Leadership, and Excellence, each honoring schools and school
districts as they progress through the various stages of the IAQ
TfS Kit. Many school districts have been recognized for out-
standing achievement and leadership in improving 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 networking resources
for schools managing IAQ issues are widely available. The IAQ
TfS Program sponsors an annual Symposium, internet pre-
sentations, and offers specialized training on financing,
communications, and facilities maintenance. See
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/index.html for additional informa-
tion.
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