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When we talk about protecting the environment, we usually think of the
outdoors, but did you know there's another important environment?
The Indoor Environment: inside our offices,
homes, schools and even in our cars and trucks.
Most days we spend about 90% of our time indoors.
The EPA says that levels of pollutants indoors may be 2-5 times,
and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels.
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DRAFT
CLEAN AIR
is a very important component of
our homes, schools and offices.
What is
About 78%
Nitrogen ~
About 21%
Oxygen
1% Argon ^
The less we add to our air,
the better off we all are.
Let's briefly
about outside
SCHOOL BUS
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These are some sources of outdoor air pollution.
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DF
Indoors the air looks clean, but pollutants
can accumulate even faster indoors.
AFT
m
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In addition to the pollution sources shown, chemicals used in the
manufacture of floor coverings, paints and furniture, even your building's
structural materials, may be released into the air (we call that off "gassing").
Fumes
from
science
activities
Paint and
solvent fumes
Ozone, fin* particles,
t chemicals
MOLD
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Many students may not be affected, but
people with asthma or allergies are more
sensitive to indoor air pollutants.
Asthma Explained
(mostly)
Air moves easily
m and out of the
air passages of
your lungs - usually
When your lungs are OK
Muscles
Relaxed
'$ more go mg on
than what we ve
. r> her
Air Sacs
Muscles
Asthma episodes may be "triggered" by different
thmqs in different people. Some people with
asthma may be sensitive to pollutants indoors.
Lots of air
moving
Breathing is fas*,
Lungs during asthma
episode
A
Mates
t much air
moving!
thing gets
haraer
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How does the
get into your school?
Other classrooms rely on ventilators,
with fans pulling in air from outside.
vWhen enough air moves in and
)f your classroom, pollutants
can't accumulate.
uality
In som
classrooms, i
in and out through windows.
Keep the fan "ON" when people are there.
FAN
ON
OFF
AUTO
HEATING
COOLING
AUTO
With the fan switch in the "ON" position,
fresh air will be brought in continuously.
The air conditioner or heater will cycle
on and off to adjust temperature.
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Ask your teacher if you
can walk around and through your school
to find sources of indoor air pollution.
FT
Learn how the equipment works
Don t obstruct ventilation vents
Office equipment such as copiers and laminators
should be in a well-ventilated area.
\/Sunshine s-^
I School '
School Office
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DRAFT
Discolored patches on the ceiling
or carpet indicate water leaks or
spills. Mold can begin to grow on
materials which remain moist for
a few days. Help the material to
dry so that mold won't grow.
Pets and their bedding materials are sources
of allergens, and their food attracts pests.
link: Do you need them in class?
Are students allergic to them?
Store their supplies in sealed containers.
> | Ml I Wl W
nil
HEALTHY MEAL
RABBIT FOOD
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DRAFT
Think about using just soap and water, instead of sprays or other
powerful cleaners, especially on s
,
Make sure caps and lids of paints and cleaners are closed tightly.
If you don't need these, dispose of them properly.
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Plants are nice, but be careful
with over-watering and moldy soil.
Use water-based dry erase
markers when possible.
choosy about taking old donated cou
Old, moldy, dusty couche; should be renoved
s&TfhoJcfa lot of
dus^7^eT^ergensandDossiblyjnoid:| Be
Many "air fresheners" really add chemicals
ipto the air. Think about putting fewer
lemicals into the air - not more!
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DRAFT
Sunshine Elementary School
Too much "stuff" collects dust and makes
it difficult for your custodian to clean.
Keep your classroom "custodian-friendly"!
What's the stuff in the bucket?
Ask your custodian what cleaners are used.
Have they been approved by your school
district? Have they been mixed with
the right amount of water?
r
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DRAFT
Gases from the soil can seep into buildings. Radon is a soil gas that can cause cancer
because it is radioactive. You can't smell it or see it, but you can easily test for it.
Check and be sure!
For more information about radon, call the
National Radon Information Line at
1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236)
or go to the EPA website:
http: //www. epa. gov/iaq/whe reyoul ive. html
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DRAFT
Make sure there is no
pollution
near the outside
air intakes!
Find out when filters are changed.
Some filters are better than others.
What kind do you have?
Use a feather or paper to
make sure air is being pulled
into ventilation intake.
\A/
Make sure there are no sources of
pollution near outside air intakes such
as buses or cars with their engines
on, flowering plants or pesticides.
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Continuous moisture can lead to mold
inside. Check for proper drainage.
If the weather is dry, think about
what will happen when it rains.
Now, look at checklist and
ask your teacher how you can
use it in your own school.
\
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These mats help trap dirt and water
before they get into the school,
helping to prevent dust and mold inside.
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DRAFT
EPACfcegionalD
IndoorEKir[QualityO:iAQ)EontactsD
Region 1 617-918-1639
Region 2 212-637-4005
Region 3 215-814-2086
Region 4 404-562-9143
Region 5 312-886-6543
Region 6 214-665-7550
Region 7 913-551-7391
Regions 303-312-6017
Region 9 415-947-4193
Region 10 206-553-2589
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.htm
U.S.EPACfcegionsD
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