Why is indoor air quality important in schools?
According to a 1995 U.S. Government Accounting Office report, an estimated 50 percent of the nation’s schools have problems linked to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). With nearly 55 million people, or 20 percent of the U.S. population, spending their days inside elementary and secondary schools, IAQ problems in schools are a significant public health concern. All types of schools-whether new or old, big or small, elementary or high school-can experience IAQ problems. Poor IAQ in schools can be associated with many issues, including but not limited to moisture and mold growth, combustion pollutants such carbon monoxide, volatile organic chemicals/compounds, and radon. For details and guidance on IAQ issues in schools, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Healthy School Environments and Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools. For information regarding the impact of indoor air quality on student performance, refer to US EPA: Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance. Sources
