The Source Vol 1

nterest
in the environmental health of schools has
been growing rapidly. To respond to NEA
members’ need for information on indoor
air and drinking water quality in schools,
the NEA HIN formed cooperative partnerships
with the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Indoor Environments Division in September
1995 and with the US EPA Office of Ground
Water and Drinking Water in September 1996.

To
provide a vehicle for information exchange among members, the NEA
HIN has created THE SOURCE newsletter.
Why THE SOURCE? This newsletter will
be the source of information on environmental
health issues, such as sources of indoor
air quality (IAQ) problems, and sources
of drinking water contamination. Many thanks to everyone who submitted
possible names for our newsletter! The winning title is courtesy
of Julia Mitchell, NEA HIN staff.

THE
SOURCE will keep members informed on the latest indoor air
and drinking water quality issues. This newsletter was created with
members in mind. It will highlight members’ experiences and actions
related to environmental health issues in schools.

So
what has the NEA HIN been up to? Through the IAQ
in Schools Program, the NEA HIN has held three trainings
on IAQ issues. A total of 51 NEA members were trained in Washington,
DC in June 1996, November 1996, and February 1997. The trainings
featured EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit
as a cost effective strategy to manage IAQ and respond to IAQ problems.
Many of the participants have done outstanding work in their states
and locals, organizing follow-up workshops and initiating action
on IAQ in their school buildings and districts. Look for member
profiles and highlights in upcoming editions of this newsletter.

The
NEA HIN has also provided school IAQ workshops for approximately
108 NEA members at the April 1996 ESP National Conference, the November
1996 Missouri Education Association State Conference, the January
1997 UniServ Cluster Training, and the February 1997 Pacific Regional
Leadership Conference.

The
Drinking Water Quality in Schools Program
provides education and training to NEA members on safe drinking
water issues. The goal of this program is to enhance the ability
of classroom teachers to teach environmental education programs
on water quality issues. The NEA HIN has conducted drinking water
quality workshops at the March 1997 ESP National Conference and
at local elementary schools.

For
more information, contact Michele Hodak (IAQ) at (202) 822-7798
or Christine Luong (drinking water) at (202) 822-7799.