How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Your Child's School

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools

• Scope of the Issue: Approximately 1/6th of the U.S. population (55 million children and 6 million adults) spends their days in school buildings.
• Pollution Levels: The EPA reports that indoor air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times—and occasionally over 100 times—higher than outdoor levels.
• Health and Academic Impacts: Poor air quality is linked to decreased concentration, reduced academic performance, increased absenteeism, and health issues such as asthma, headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
• Systemic Disparities: Students in low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, often attending schools that are dilapidated, under-resourced, or located near industrial facilities.
• Management Gap: An estimated 50% of U.S. schools lack an air quality management plan.
• Funding Resources: Financial support for air quality improvements is available through the EPA and the Department of Energy’s "Renew America’s Schools" program.
• Three Quick Fixes:
  • No-Idling Policies: Enforce strict no-idling rules for buses and vehicles near school entrances, windows, and playgrounds.
  • Safer Cleaning: Transition from conventional cleaning chemicals to green, non-toxic alternatives.
  • Pesticide Reduction: Use preventative measures like caulking cracks to stop infestations and prioritize natural pest control methods.
• Simple Mitigation: Opening windows (when outdoor air quality permits) is a free and effective way to improve ventilation.