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Frequently Asked Questions How big a problem is IAQ in schools? In February 1995, the US Government Accounting Office released a report based on a survey which indicates that over half of our schools have problems which affect indoor air quality. A radon-related EPA investigation of 29 schools across the country found inadequate ventilation in most of the schools. Nearly one in five schools has at least one room with radon above the EPA recommended action level of 4 pCi/L. Do IAQ problems seem to affect certain types of schools or certain locations of the United States more than others? All types of schools across the country have an array of indoor air 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. ïFailure to prevent or quickly resolve problems can: increase the potential for long term and short term health problems; reduce productivity for students and staff; accelerate deterioration and reduce efficiency of heating/cooling equipment; strain relationships among school administration, parents and staff; and create potential liability problems. What is EPA doing about IAQ in schools? IAQ Tools for Shools outreach is a top priority. The program covers resolving and preventing IAQ problems. Its focus is on practical and low-cost/no cost activities for all staff. Presently the outreach program is being coordinated with six co-sponsors: ALA, AFT, ASBO, CAPE, NEA, PTA. and includes a training video on the proper operation and maintenance of school ventilation systems. It is produced by the cast and crew of the popular PBS series "This Old House" and is available from the IAQ INFO Clearinghouse. Some EPA Regional Offices are providing workshops on IAQ Tools for Schools. What are EPA's basic recommendations to schools? 1.Obtain a copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit (Kit) 2.Obtain a copy of the IAQ Tools for Schools -- Ventilation Basics Video 3.Ensure that an adequate amount of outdoor air is being supplied 4.Test for radon 5.Separate students and staff from construction and renovation areas 6.Reduce use of products that require ventilation during use 7.Reduce relative humidity indoors during hot and humid summers How much will it cost to fix IAQ in schools? The Kit provides practical, hands-on recommendations for schools which can be applied using in-house staff. Following this guidance will enable schools to correct existing problems or prevent future problems from occurring. 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 have been designed to be either no cost or low cost. Are there any potentially costly fixes for schools which may be needed to help ensure good IAQ? Although the majority of the recommendations in the kit are either no cost or low cost, due to the limited maintenance budget for school buildings there are potentially two fixes which could be costly. The first is a leaky roof, which can cause water damage inside the building and may lead to microbial contamination (mold, fungi, bacteria). Secondly, if the ventilation system has been allowed to deteriorate, there may be significant costs involved in returning the system to its original design and/or building code intent. Is the school I send my child to safe? Every type of building has the potential for poor IAQ, and based upon limited anecdotal information we know that there are IAQ problems in schools. It is impossible to generalize. While some schools may have minor problems, others may have more significant ones. The Kit provides the school staff with practical steps they can take to correct current problems and prevent future problems. 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 children. What types of schools has EPA studied? Investigations of radon and limited measurements of IAQ in schools have been conducted in buildings for students in grades K through 12. The schools are from a variety of regions across the country and consist of a wide mixture of architectural styles. Are there statistical data available regarding IAQ in schools? No, not from EPA. However, the GAO report (see the first question) contains the most significant statistical data available at this time. A recent Congressional Office of Technology Assistance report, along with other sources, provides anecdotal information which strongly indicates that some schools need to pay more attention to IAQ. Deferred maintenance, which frequently occurs when schools are short of funding, is often the culprit responsible for poor IAQ. Will fixing the radon problem in a school automatically fix any IAQ problems? No. Although radon problems in schools are often 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 reduction in IAQ. 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. Carpet and other furnishings that become significantly water damaged should be removed and either steam cleaned and thoroughly dried before reinstallation, or it should be discarded. Will specialized training or tools be required to complete the recommended activities in the Kit? Nearly all of the activities can be successfully completed without any specialized training or tools. One of the activities, the measurement of the amount of outdoor air being supplied to indoors, requires an airflow measurement device such as a flowhood or pitot tube. The Kit provides a basic information on the costs and sources of this equipment, and some cost-saving ideas such as equipment sharing. |
Page CREATED by
John H Boutilier, Lorenzo Dellorusso, Shaun
Syms, Shaun McNamara, Peter Casagrande, and Leo Mackey
13-Jul-99