Source Vol 2

How
big a problem is indoor air quality in schools?

Numerous
headlines and information sources provide anecdotal information
that a wide range of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems are occurring
— including school evacuations and costly emergency renovations.
In February 1995, the US Government Accounting Office (GAO) released
a report based on a survey which indicates that over half of our
schools have problems which affect IAQ. Nearly one in five schools
has at least one room (more than 73,000 schoolrooms in all) with
a screening level of radon above the EPA recommended action level
of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Do
IAQ problems seem to affect certain types of schools or certain
locations of the country more than others?

All
types of schools — whether new or old, big or small, elementary
or high school — are experiencing IAQ problems. Schools across
the country have an array of IAQ problems, but fungal problems such
as mold and mildew are particularly pronounced in the Southeast
where humidity levels are high.

Why
should schools take IAQ seriously?

The
quality of the indoor air can either impede or assist a school in
meeting its core mission — educating students. Failure to prevent
or quickly resolve problems can:

	increase the potential for long term and short term health problems;
	reduce productivity for school employees and students;
	accelerate deterioration and reduce efficiency of heating/cooling equipment;
	strain relationships among school administration and parents and staff; and
	create potential liability problems.

What
are EPA’s basic recommendations to schools?

1. Obtain a
copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit.

2. Obtain a
copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools — Ventilation Basics Video

3. Implement
the IAQ Management Plan of the EPA IAQ Tools for Schools Action
Kit.

How
much will it cost to fix IAQ in schools?

The
Kit provides school employees with practical, hands-on steps they
can take to correct existing problems or prevent future problems.
EPA is aware of the unique environment in which schools must function,
including limited resources and multiple demands on those resources,
therefore the majority of the activities are either no cost or low
cost. One potentially costly fix is a leaky roof, which can cause
water damage inside the building and may lead to microbial contamination
(mold, fungi, bacteria). Another is a ventilation system that has
deteriorated, which may require significant costs to return the
system to its original design and/or building code intent. Deferred
maintenance, which frequently occurs when schools have money problems,
is often the culprit responsible for poor IAQ.

Is
the school I send my child to safe?

Every
type of building has the potential for poor IAQ, but it is impossible
to generalize. Awareness of the issues and proactive steps to assure
good IAQ will go a long way towards providing a safe and productive
learning environment for students and school employees.

Should
smoking be allowed in schools?

Children
are particularly susceptible to the effects of secondhand smoke,
therefore every effort should be made to keep schools smoke free.
Based on the Pro Kids Act, schools which receive federal funding
may not allow smoking within the school. If the school chooses to
operate a smoking lounge, it should be vented directly to the outdoors
and under negative pressure compared to surrounding spaces. The
room should be located such that children never need to enter the
space. If smoking areas are located outside, they should be positioned
away from the doors and outdoor air intakes.

Will
fixing the radon problem in a school automatically fix any IAQ problems?

No.
Although radon problems in some schools can be remedied by increasing
the ventilation, this will not necessarily remedy an IAQ problem.
Some indoor pollutant sources are too strong for ventilation increases
to ensure good IAQ. Increasing the ventilation in areas with high
humidity or elevated outdoor air pollutants may in fact cause a
decrement in IAQ unless proper measures are taken.

Does
carpet cause IAQ problems in schools?

Carpet
use in schools provides a decrease in noise, falls, and injuries.
IAQ problems can be encountered with carpet and many other materials
used indoors if the school has any type of water problem, such as
a leaky roof. If carpet remains damp, it can become a primary site
for microbial growth, which frequently results in adverse health
effects such as triggering asthma or allergies.

Since
the guidance is voluntary, why should schools use some of their
limited resources to apply the guidance?

There
are many differing yet important reasons why schools should apply
this guidance. The range of reasons include the many health, safety,
and economic effects as noted in question three.

How
can I get a Kit and Video?

The
Kit can be ordered by calling the US Government Printing Office
at 202/512-1800, or by faxing 202/512-2250. Orders with payment
may be mailed to Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh,
PA 15250-7950. The Kit, stock number 055-000-00503-6, is $22 in
single quantities. Access http://www.envirovillage.com/tools/
for a full-text online version of the Kit. The IAQ Tools for
Schools — Ventilation Basics Video is available at no cost
through the IAQ Information Clearinghouse at 800/438-4318.