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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!

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