Asthma & School Indoor Air Quality

Children are especially vulnerable to the adverse health effects of indoor pollutants and allergens—more so than adults. Students with asthma are particularly at risk (GAO, 1995).

Some of the indoor allergens that aggravate asthma are secondhand tobacco smoke, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, cleaning supplies and chemicals, pesticides, perfumes and paint.

The EPA has launched a national public education and prevention campaign targeting asthma. They provide information on indoor triggers and on actions that can be taken at school or home to reduce exposure. To speak with a national specialist, call 800-315-8096. At the request of the EPA, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine issued a report on the role of indoor air quality in the growing asthma epidemic. The report, “Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures,” confirmed that indoor pollutants are an important contributor to the asthma problem (National Academy of Sciences, 2002).

Asthma-friendly IAQ steps include:

• Improving ventilation— throughout the buildings but especially in laboratories and art rooms
• Removing sources of allergens—mold, residue from cockroaches and other pests, animal dander, etc.
• Ensuring proper maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems
• Installing HEPA filters—which trap very small particles
• Planning for ongoing improvement of the indoor environment—e.g., removal of carpet

Poor IAQ exacerbates serious health problems like asthma attacks. Recent research from the EPA shows that poor IAQ reduces ability in mental tasks that require concentration, calculation, or memory (EPA, 2000).

Financing Improved IAQ

The expense and effort required to prevent most IAQ problems is much less than the expense and effort required to resolve problems after they develop. (EPA, 2000)

“Anytime we have dollars available for maintenance issues, we try to channel some toward taking carpet out or replacing carpet… We regularly monitor the air quality, using a computer driven system.” —Dr. William Dean, superintendent, Frederick County, VA

While many IAQ solutions are low-cost or require no additional direct cost to schools, some big budget improvements such as repairs to large systems like roofs, flooring, windows, lighting, or ventilation cannot be avoided. Possible funding sources are:

• The school budget—the capital budget, the operating budget, money from grants, rebates, or fundraisers.
• Linking IAQ improvements to energy-efficiency upgrades—particularly upgrades to the heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) systems.
• Third-party financing and tax-exempt lease-purchase agreements.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants

“We just passed a $25 million code compliance bond and a $22.5 million Building and Technology bond. We put in a Med-Assist System as part of the latter. It tracks air intake, preventive maintenance, etc. for the whole system. This allows us to find problems before they happen. We use IAQ in a partnership with our insurance company. It’s a pretty decent program.” —Dr. Michael Frechette, superintendent, Norwich (CT) Public School

The EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools is an excellent, results-oriented tool. With support from EPA, AASA offers an internet presentation for school leaders on financing good indoor air quality. Call 703-875-0731 for more information.