United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Transportation and Air Quality EPA-420-F-21-063 October 2021 Best Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposure at Schools: Summary Below is a summary of the recommendations outlined in Best Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposure at Schools (EPA-420-R-21-022). This document is intended for school administrators, facility managers, school staff, school nurses, school-based health centers, parents, students, and others in the school community who are concerned about traffic-related air pollution exposure due to a school's proximity to a heavily traveled roadway or trucking corridors. Mechanical Ventilation & Filtration Use high-efficiency filters to reduce particle pollution exposure inside classrooms Keep HVAC systems turned on throughout the day ¦ Train teachers, staff, & students on best ventilation practices B V For classrooms relying on passive/natural ventilation, use quiet, portable, stand-alone filtration systems to reduce indoor concentrations Minimize indoor sources of air pollution such as Combustion sources Gas space heaters Wood stoves Air fresheners High pollen-producing plants \viry Opt for low-VOC interior finished, furniture, and paints Keep air vents clear of items that may block airflow I I Locate air intakes away from pollution sources such as bus loading areas, major roads, and traffic Upgrade filtration system to the highest MERV-rated filters the HVAC system can handle Consider HVAC system upgrades to accommodate high efficiency filters Consider installation of "pre- filters" upstream of the main filter Keep windows and doors closed to avoid bringing in polluted outdoor air Perform regular inspection and maintenance Seal the building envelope (windows and doors) Passive & Natural Ventilation Train teachers, staff, and students on best ventilation practices Keep windows/doors closed in naturally ventilated classrooms during peak commute times Ensure minimum outside air ventilation rates are maintained throughout occupancy as required by code! ------- Actions for Building Occupants Plan strenuous outdoor O Keep HVAC systems t lower amounts of traffic (T) Keep windows/doors clo classrooms during peak commute tiwies Keep air vents clear of airflow Understand the importance of indoor pollutant sources and how to reduce emissions from indoor sources |l_l| RSB3BI ~~~~ ~~~ Consider how school buildings are used on weekends This may include: * Local, school, and health % Sportmg events in athletic facilities department recommendations regarding outside ventilation due to Adult extension education pandemic conditions should be adhered to Classes taking place on weekends Location and A For new school developments, consider locations farther from major roads and other areas with heavy truck traffic, but still within the community Consider unintended consequences of any location, such as increased commute distances and decreased opportunity for walking and biking Locate bus and passenger vehicle loading zones away from classrooms, play areas, and building air intakes - 700' - Locate playgrounds, athletic fields, and classrooms as far as possible from the roadway, or other areas with heavy truck traffic -Limited Access Carefully consider the placement of portable classrooms ------- Transportation Policies ^5 -o- 'I* AAA Limit school bus idling by instituting anti-idling or idle reduction policies, and ensure no idling by windows, doors, or air intakes Upgrade school bus fleets by: Retrofitting buses with PM filters or oxidation catalysts Replacing older buses with newer models Consider alternative bus fuels, including biodiesel blends, liquified petroleum, compressed or liquid natural gas, or electric Discuss funding opportunities for bus fleet upgrades with your local or state environmental or air quality agency SCHOOL SCHOOL Provide walking/ biking paths to promote active transportation and reduce the number of vehicles near school Roadside Barriers For vegetative barriers, use an evergreen species with mature, dense greenery, consider vegetation height and density, and locate the barrier downwind and close to the roadway Choose species appropriate for region and site by consulting with plant nurseries, local cooperative extensions, city governments, and the U.S. Forest Service Minimize gaps in solid and vegetative roadside barriers Use a solid roadside barrier and/or vegetation of appropriate height to block traffic-related pollutants J! / / llllllllll Ensure vegetation is properly maintained to ensure no gaps form For more information on these topics, visit the Practices for Reducing Near-Road Pollution Exposure at Schools publication: https://www.epa.aov/mobile-source-pollution/how-mobile-source- pollution-affects-your-health#best-practices-for-schools ------- |