Improve Schools Indoor Environment

Transcription

1 Improve Schools Indoor Environment Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Can Save Schools Time and Money What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? Indoor Air Quality refers to environmental characteristics inside buildings that may affect human health, comfort, work or performance. IAQ characteristics include the concentrations of (amounts of) pollutants in indoor air, as well as air temperature and humidity. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Scientific Findings Resource Bank (IAQ-SFRB) What is the Issue? Most people spend 90% of their time indoors, school buildings are no exception According to EPA s Science Board pollutants indoors can be 5 times and up to 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Several schools report experiencing inadequate ventilation, which adversely impact other conditions. Copyright

2 What is the Issue? Asthma is the leading childhood illness which contributes to increased absenteeism, emergency room visits, and for some, it has lead to decreased physical activity. According to CDC, childhood asthma has increased on average between 3.8 to 6.9 new cases. Scope of the Problem IAQ problems are widespread. Poor IAQ is a major health, performance & facility maintenance issue i for schools. Mold and other asthma triggers, chemicals (e.g., mercury), ventilation issues, etc. are commonly found in school buildings. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic condition, accounting for 14,000,000 missed school days per year. 75% of schools report needing to spend money on repairs, renovations, and modernizations to put schools onsite buildings in overall good g condition. Source: U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Condition of America s Public School Facilities Report. The average public school building is 42 years old. School buildings typically begin rapid deterioration after 40 years, if not properly rly maintained. Source: U.S. DOE 1998 Report. Scope of the Problem Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted into indoor air from building materials, furnishings, cleaning compounds, office equipment, personal care products, air fresheners, pesticides, people, and unvented combustion processes such as tobacco smoking or cooking with gas stoves Copyright

3 Scope of the Problem Mold is allergenic and can cause a rash of symptoms musty odor, discoloration on porous surfaces, pneumonia like symptoms, and eye and nose irritation. EPA does not have mold standards but, offer guidelines to remediate mold growth. Scope of the Problem Indoor environmental quality is also impacted by indoor and outdoor sources-vehicular exhaust, pollen, ozone, humidity, emissions from surrounding industries, temperature,. Key Facts about Schools Why Schools are Unique Tight Budgets Old Buildings/Deferred Maintenance Densely Populated Space Special Sources of Pollution Consequences of Poor IAQ in Schools Health Problems Student & Teacher Performance Loss of Public Trust Negative Media Coverage Poor IAQ in Schools is Costly Liability and Law Suits Substitute Teachers & Staff Lower Operating Efficiency of Equipment & Physical Plant Closing Schools and Relocating Students Copyright

4 IAQ Contaminants Dust Poor ventilation Pesticides Mold Art Supplies Pests Pet dander Radon Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and eye and throat irritations inhibiting performance in the classroom IAQ Contaminants Cleansers Adhesives Paints Carpet Formaldehyde Personal Care Products Aerosol and solid room deodorants Vehicle exhaust In addition to the physical symptoms experienced by school occupants, if these contaminants are not managed properly, schools risk spending thousands in remediation costs. WHAT HAS EPA DONE? Copyright

5 EPA Involvement w/ IAQ in Schools 1995: GAO Report found over half of nation s schools had problems that impact IAQ; Increasing frequency of IAQ complaints in schools; EPA launches Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) program. IAQ TfS is consistent with EPA s mission to protect human health and the e environment. People spend 90% of their time indoors. For children, a large portion of this time is in schools. IAQ TfS is a voluntary, flexible, hands-on program designed to help schools identify, solve and prevent IAQ problems in schools by adopting effective IAQ management practices. A central element of the Program is the IAQ TfS Action Kit. The e Kit comprehensively assembles best practices, industry guidelines, and practical management agement actions in a flexible format. These good IAQ management practices reduce exposure to indoor environmental e contaminants, such as chemicals, irritants, allergens, and even carcinogens such as radon, and improve the health and performance of children and staff in schools. Copyright

6 IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit Low Cost Adaptable to Individual School/School District Needs No Specialized Training Required Voluntary Common Sense Approach Framework for Effective School IAQ Programs The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management: Key Drivers Copyright

7 The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management: Six Technical Solutions The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management: Six Technical Solutions Quality HVAC Inspect HVAC systems regularly Establish a maintenance plan Change filters regularly and ensure condensate pans are draining Provide outdoor air ventilation according to ASHRAE Standard or local code Clean air supply diffusers, return registers, and outside air intakes Keep unit ventilators clear of books, papers, and other items Control of Moisture/Mold Conduct routine moisture inspections Establish mold prevention and remediation plan Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60% Address moisture problems promptly Dry wet areas within hours Strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Inspect and monitor for pests Establish an IPM plan Use spot treatments and baits Communicate with occupants prior to pesticide use Mark indoor and outdoor areas treated with pesticides Effective Cleaning & Maintenance Conduct routine inspections of school environment Develop a preventative maintenance plan Train cleaning/maintenance staff on protocols Ensure material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available to staff Clean and remove dust with damp cloth Vacuum using high-efficiency filters Smart Materials Selection Maintain products inventory Develop low-emitting products purchasing and use policies Use only formaldehyde-free materials Use only low-toxicity and low-emitting paint Select products based on product rating systems Use least toxic cleaners possible (only those approved by the district) Aggressive Source Control Conduct regular building walkthrough inspections Test for radon; mitigate if necessary Implement a hazardous materials plan (use, label, storage and disposal) Implement Smoke-Free policies Establish an anti-idling school bus policy Use walk-off mats at building entrances Conduct pollutant-releasing activities when school is unoccupied Fundamental Elements of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Copyright

8 IAQ Problems... Pollutant People Pathway There are two sides to IAQ coin District School Occupants Building structure Ventilation Landscaping / pest control Etc. Art & science materials Household cleaners Personal care products Activities, awareness, etc. Communication Take control of your IAQ by understanding the root causes of poor IAQ Basic knowledge Typical activities Tools for Schools can help! Poor Communication Copyright

9 What do we add to our air? This is our totally enclosed room. Doors, windows closed and no ventilation. Now let s add a few people, some building furnishings, etc. What goes into the air? It wasn t me! Copyright

10 If you ve got good air exchange ventilation - you can get away with adding contaminants to your air to some extent. It so wasn t me! If you don t make sure you know how to keep your bubble of air as clean as possible. I won t eat that again! How to Get Started? Designate a team coordinator Form a team of staff including a teacher, nurse, custodial/maintenance, and parent Review the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit, establish meeting times and responsibilities, schedule teacher surveys and school walkthrough activities. Copyright

11 Pass through vent to a Chemical storage closet T-Stat covered Has a nearby heat source Room has heavy to Excessive clutter Ozone Air Purifier Return air grille is obstructed Blocked or covered Learn a little about how your ventilation system works. Outside air gets pulled in here. Copyright

12 Priority Scheme Ist Tier - Immediately important for health or safety OR no cost/low cost Second Tier - Takes time and money allocate funding from existing school budget Third Tier - WISH LIST recommend to school board Copyright

13 Simple things Stop using scented products and deodorizers. Dispose of sources. Unblock vents. Move sources away from OA intakes. Learn/instruct about ventilation controls. Learn/instruct how to report problems. And many more What can you do? What are the 2-3 item you can do when you get back to your district or office to begin implementing or assisting a neighboring school to implement an IAQ management plan? Lashon Blakely Indoor Environments U.S. EPA, Region 4 61 Forsyth Street Atlanta, Georgia blakely.lashon@epa.gov Copyright