Air pollution is air pollution, indoors or out. Good indoor air quality (IAQ) contributes to a favorable learning environment for students, protects health, and supports the productivity of school personnel. In schools in poor repair, leaky roofs and crumbling walls have caused additional indoor air quality problems, including contamination with lead and asbestos, dust, or radon. United States Environmental Protection Agency studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor pollution levels may be 2-5 times, and sometimes 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. Most people spend 90% of their time indoors. It is easy to understand why school decisions to cut spending on cleaning and repair ("deferred maintenance") are penny-wise and pound-foolish: resulting air pollution will harm occupants and multiply the cost to repair buildings later. This paper shows some typical signs/symptoms of IAQ problems and what schools should be doing. It also offers tips on when parents should suspect a school has an IAQ problem and what they should do if schools ignore IAQ problems. A list of resources is included.

Existing indoor air quality (IAQ) policies for schools reflect the variety of institutional, political, social, and economic contexts that exist within individual states. The purpose of this report is to provide a better understanding of the types of policy strategies used by states in addressing general indoor air quality problems. The policies discussed illustrate approaches that states can consider when developing legislation, regulations, guidance documents, and programs to create healthier indoor environments in schools. The report provides detailed information on existing policies, with an emphasis on policy strategies aimed at preventing indoor air quality problems. Thus, the report focuses on policies that promote better maintenance and management of existing school facilities, as well as better design and construction practices in new and renovated schools. Additionally, since an IAQ policy has little value unless implemented, the report highlights significant implementation activities and notes potential strengths and weaknesses of individual policies in this regard. (EV).

Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed to present practical and often low-cost actions schools can take to identify and address existing or potential air quality problems. Schools can accomplish this using current school staff to perform a limited and well-defined set of basic operations and maintenance activities. However, some actions may require specialized expertise. Sections 1 and 2 of this Guide help schools understand how IAQ problems develop, the importance of good IAQ, and its impact on students, staff, and building occupants. Communicating this important information with students, staff, parents, and the community is the next step, which is outlined in Section 3. Schools dealing with an IAQ crisis will find the section on communication particularly helpful. Sections 4 to 6 contain valuable information for schools that need assistance diagnosing and responding to IAQ problems with inexpensive, practical solutions. Schools can refer to the appendices of this Guide for detailed information on IAQ-related topics including mold, radon, secondhand smoke, asthma, and portable classrooms. Schools may find the explanations of integrated pest management programs, typical indoor air pollutants, and pollutants from motor vehicles and equipment helpful while developing school policies or pinpointing sources of poor IAQ. In addition, schools investigating or resolving IAQ problems may want to refer to appendices on basic measurement equipment, hiring professional assistance, and codes and regulations. There are numerous resources available to schools through EPA and other organizations, many of which are listed in Appendix L. They can use the information in this Guide to create the best possible learning environment for students and maintain a comfortable, healthy building for school occupants. Appendices include: (1) Hiring Professional Assistance; (2) Basic Measurement Equipment; (3) Codes and Regulations; (4) Asthma; (5) Typical Indoor Air Pollutants; (6) Secondhand Smoke; (7) Radon; (8) Mold and Moisture; (9) Emissions from Motor Vehicles and Equipment; (10) Portable Classrooms; (11) Integrated Pest Management; (12) Resources; and (13) Glossary and Acronyms. An index, and list of resources are included.

The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is designed for architects, design engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and all other professionals concerned with IAQ. This comprehensive publication provides both summary and detailed guidance.The detailed guidance provides:Hundreds of internal and external links to invaluable IAQ resources Access to an incredible variety of in-depth information by topic to help you design construct and operate acceptable IAQThe CD that comes with the book contains the detailed guidance for implementing these strategies. Embedded in a digital version of the summary guidance information are hundreds of internal and external links to resources for the design, construction and commissioning of buildings with excellent indoor air quality.