Take action on school indoor air quality
Indoor air quality problems in the classroom can't be ignored.
- Students are particularly at risk for health problems that have been linked to indoor pollutants commonly found in schools.
- Asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common in school-age children.
- The health and comfort of students and staff can have an impact on attendance, learning and performance in the classroom.
In fact, failure to respond promptly and effectively to poor indoor air quality can result in even more problems for schools.
- Schools may have to deal with short-term health issues such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term problems such as asthma.
- Schools may have to shut down and relocate staff and students to temporary facilities.
- Schools that do not catch air quality problems in the early stages may need costly repairs. This is especially true in older buildings that have not been properly maintained.
The federal government's free Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit can help you and your school assess and improve your indoor air quality (see link above). The kit is co-sponsored by the NEA, AFT, National PTA, American Lung Association and Association of School Business Officials.
February 28, 2009