Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a pivotal role in the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and educators within schools. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and cognitive impairments, which can impact learning and teaching environments. Therefore, it is crucial for schools to prioritize proactive measures to maintain optimal air quality. This includes regular maintenance of ventilation systems, controlling humidity levels, and addressing indoor pollutants. By fostering a healthy indoor environment through preventative strategies, schools can ensure a safe and productive space for both learning, teaching, and working.

Learn more about Indoor Air Quality - The Basics

Addressing Common Indoor Quality Issues in Schools

Atypical Odors

If atypical odors are detected, and occupants are not experiencing symptoms, occupants should be recommended do the following first:

Check the area for garbage or waste material that has not been properly disposed of or removed.
Ensure plants are not rotting and soil is not smelly.
Run all cup sinks, other sinks, and eyewashes that haven’t been run recently for 2-3 minutes.
Fill floor drains with a half-gallon of water.
Determine if non occupant is working with a strong-smelling material without proper ventilation.
Ensure all chemical or biological waste is in a proper waste container, if applicable.

If the above measures are taken and the odor does not abate after 15 minutes, occupants should contact maintenance and operations (M&O) for further evaluation. The occupant who makes the complaint should be available when M&O arrives to describe the conditions or odors they are detecting.

Building Discomfort or "Sick Building Syndrome"

There are several actions occupants can do to alleviate symptoms of building discomfort issues if the source can be controlled by the area occupant, including:

Keep offices and work area clutter to a minimum.
Discard food and other items that can attract vermin.
Have thermostats adjusted to a temperature that is acceptable to all occupants.

It is recommended to have the carpet or floors shampooed or washed at least twice per year to prevent dust accumulation, and to vacuum them regularly.

Maintain plants by removing dead leaves, avoiding overwatering, and preventing any spillage

Avoid keeping flowering plants in indoor environments.
Promptly clean up all water and food spills.

Notify M&O of leaks or floods from plumbing, roofing, or other sources immediately.

Water Intrusion and Suspected Fungi Contamination Concerns

The following procedures should be taken by occupants to preventmold and other microbial contamination.

Keep the area dry. Do not overwater plants, and promptly cleanall water and beverage spills.
Examine the ceiling (if the space is under a roof) after heavyrains or snow for signs of leak or water damage.
Do not use bleach, as bleach will not remove underlying fungalstructures.
Promptly report all leaks and water intrusionto campus Maintenance & Operations.

Resources

For more detailed insights into the importance of IAQ and actionable steps schools can take, explore the resources below.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
The EPA offers a comprehensive set of resources, tools, and guidelines for improving IAQ in schools. Their "Tools for Schools" program includes checklists, best practices, and funding options for schools to maintain healthy air quality.
EPA School IAQ Assessment Mobile App
Indoor Air QualityTools for Schools: Preventive Maintenance Guidance Documents

Still have IAQ Concerns? Contact Us at slc@csjpa.org or reachout to your designated CSRM Risk Manager.
To request a Microbial Indoor Air Quality Sampling please complete the following REQUEST FORM