Improve & Protect School Air Quality
Did you know that the air in our homes, schools and offices can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Most of our exposure to environmental pollutants occurs by breathing the air indoors. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which can affect concentration, attendance and student performance. Additionally, if schools fail to respond promptly to poor IAQ, students and staff are at an increased risk of health problems such as fatigue, nausea, coughing, eye irritation, headaches, asthma episodes, and allergic reactions.
The goal of an IAQ Management Program is to prevent the occurrence of problems and to respond quickly to issues before they become serious health matters. Simple, low-cost actions can save money, improve health and decrease student and staff absenteeism. School facilities & maintenance staff are vital in maintaining proper school-wide Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation (HVAC) systems, and addressing problems, but good IAQ in a school is everyone’s responsibility! Learn more below about steps to improve air quality at your school.
Tip: Also visit our National & State Green School Programs page to learn more about local and national Green School programs and resources to help you improve the health & sustainability of your school!

Before You Start
- Form an Action Team
- Center for Green Schools: Indoor Environmental Quality Video (9mins)
- Center for Green Schools: Indoor Environmental Quality Companion Guide
Design and Preparation
- Conduct a General Environmental Review Checklist
- Conduct an Indoor Air Quality Audit
- Conduct a Mold Growth Audit
- EPA School Indoor Air Quality Assessment Mobile App
- EPA Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools
- Model Programs:
Implementation
- EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit
- Action Plan Forms (review program options, then create action plan):
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School Air Quality Improvement Program Options:
- Participate in the EPA Colored Flag Program for Air Quality Forecasts
- Implement a Fragrance Free School Policy
- Prevent & Address Mold in Schools
- Implement Asthma-Friendly School Initiatives
- Ensure Proper Ventilation
- Green Cleaning for Schools
- Purchase Green & Sustainable Products
- Safe Chemical Management in Schools
- Implement Programs to Reduce Vehicle Idling
- Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
- Integrate IAQ Protection with Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Tools for School Facilities Staff:
Using Your Project
- EPA Breathing Easy Lesson
- EPA Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides & Online Resources for Educators
- Eco Schools K-12 Resources for Educators
- Eco School National Standards and Curriculum Alignment
- Eco Schools Green STEM Initiative
- Green Education Foundation: Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
- Learning Lab Sustainability Lessons
- Project Learning Tree Curriculum Offerings
Sharing Your Project
- Involve Parents in Creating a Healthy Indoor School Environment
- Create Signs About School Air Quality Tips & Efforts