How to Develop an Effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Program at Your School

Developing an effective indoor air quality program at your school is key in maintaining a healthy environment. Mold and dust have the potential to cause a myriad of symptoms for those with sensitivities. According to CDC, some common symptoms include: nasal congestion, sore throats, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. People who have allergies to mold and dust are likely to have worsened symptoms. Infections may develop in those that have weak immune systems or lung conditions which can make for an extremely unproductive school environment and unhealthy staff members and students.

Poor air quality threatens the overall health of the school population; it also impacts the productivity and focus of those inside. When air quality is poor, concentration and energy levels are at risk of compromise.

According to EPA, “Good indoor air quality is essential for teacher and student health. Good design also produces more comfortable environments with proper lighting, air temperature, humidity and noise levels. This reduces distractions and creates environments where students and teachers can see clearly, hear accurately and not feel too warm or too cold.”

1. 1. Healthy and efficiently run school buildings improve health and productivity, resulting in higher achievement.  Money is saved in the long run due to lower operating costs. To get started on your school’s IAQ program, it will be helpful to refer to the indoor air quality tools for school action kit from the EPA to help build a framework for your school.

1. 1. Educating students and staff about how to maintain a healthy indoor environment is an investment in the health and success of schools. Try spending some time discussing little ways staff and students can help such as cleaning up messes (especially dust) and being careful about the type and amount of chemicals used in the building.

1. 1. Support from school leadership is necessary and may include contacting the school district or someone in charge of making decisions for your school.  Sharing this information may help them understand why it is important to develop a program in your school.

1. 1. Knowing your school’s history allows you to understand potential problems in the building that may need resolved.

1. 1. Creating a profile of the school’s current indoor air quality status allows you to obtain an accurate report of what needs improved.  This will also help to prevent future IAQ problems from re-surfacing.

1. 1. Walk the school with a professional to get an overview of conditions affecting indoor air quality so that you may create a checklist of issues that need addressed.

1. 1. Once you successfully launch an IAQ program, be sure to have a professional perform follow-up inspections regularly.

Contact us; We are here to help you from start to finish as you develop your school’s IAQ program.