Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air inside a room is not regulated like outside air. It is up to us to understand the affects of poor indoor air quality and take steps to improve it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that levels of air pollution indoors can be 2-5 times and sometimes 100 times higher than outside levels.
What is indoor air quality?
- The condition of the indoor air, including temperature and humidity, which affects the occupant’s health, comfort and sense of well-being.
- The levels of indoor airborne pollutants, as well as the adequacy of the ventilation which removes or dilutes these contaminants.
- People vary widely in their sensitivity to pollutants. The less we add to the air the better.
Why are children particularly vulnerable to poor indoor air quality?
- Children are not little adults and have developing bodies with narrower airways and faster respiration.
- Pound per pound, children inhale more pollutants than adults.
- Some harm from pollutants can be long-lasting or permanent.
Why should we be concerned about indoor air quality in schools?
- Approximately one in five Americans, both adults and children, work or are in school facilities 6-8 hours every day.
- According to the National Education Association, more than 1/3 of America’s school buildings have serious environmental issues.
- A nationwide survey of school facilities found that California ranked last, having more unsatisfactory environmental conditions in schools than any other state.
What factors impact air quality?
- Pollutants can include gasses from chemicals, like cleaning products, solvents, building and furniture finishes, pesticides and fragrances; small particles, like dust, pollen and mold spores, and diesel exhaust; combustion gasses, like carbon monoxide; and more.
- A 2003 California Air Resources Board report found that substantial amounts of outdoor air were measured in classrooms during 40% of class hours.
- High concentrations of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds have been found in both traditional and portable classrooms in California.
- A 1995 study by the California Energy Commission found that 1/3 of the schools surveyed had ventilation rates that were less than half the level required by state regulations.
Are there solutions?
YES! The Healthy Air, Healthy Kids project works with project partners including the Community Action to Fight Asthma network and the U.S. EPA, Region 9 to help teachers, associations and district staff work collaboratively to promote better indoor air quality practices and policies in schools.
To learn about the easy steps you can take to improve IAQ, check out the Healthy Air, Healthy Kids resources.