The EPA Can Help
Resolving indoor air quality issues in your school or district can seem like an overwhelming task; however you do not need to do it alone. The EPA has spent years identifying the ways in which schools and districts can easily improve IAQ. As a result, they have the free, National Education Association endorsed Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools. Additionally, the EPA, Region 9 has many experts who can help answer all your questions and help you implement an IAQ improvement program in your school.
IAQ Tools for Schools
TfS is a voluntary, practical, flexible process that quickly teaches maintenance staff and school occupants how they can improve the air quality inside their buildings.
TfS provides easy to understand background information and checklists. You can learn to see your environment from the perspective of an “IAQ detective.” Many IAQ problems are identified and fixed quickly, using no-cost/low-cost methods. A lot of problems are avoided altogether. More costly and complex problems can be prioritized appropriately.
TfS provides an organizational plan to integrate its simple activities into daily routine. It opens lines of communication between maintenance staff and school occupants, as they partner in a win-win goal: providing a healthful environment that maximizes both teachers’ ability to teach, and students’ ability to learn.
You can order your own IAQ Tools for Schools kit! Just visit the EPA’s website to learn more.
The EPA, Region 9 Can Help Your District Make TfS Work
The EPA is a leading source for practical, technical information about IAQ, but where they have special expertise is in working hands-on with school districts on IAQ.
The EPA has seen how districts can and do benefit from taking full advantage of TfS. They are also aware of the concerns that often prevent districts from fully participating. To overcome such conceptual barriers, there is no need for you to reinvent the wheel. Just ask the EPA! They have already begun to work with CTA and local associations to share our insights and experience. The “next step” is to help and learn from you.
Take Advantage of Our Expertise
The EPA Region 9 team can:
- Coach your association on constructive and effective approaches.
- Train (leaders, district teams) in person or by teleconference.
- Tailor your program to what will work for your association and the district.
- Connect you with helpful contacts and information resources.
- Recognize your efforts.
For more information on what the EPA can do to help you, contact us.
Ask Shelly
Shelly is frequently asked questions about how to improve IAQ, how to identify environmental preferable products and much more. Below, please find some of his most recent and frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, just Ask Shelly.