U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Managing Asthma in Schools through “Good” Indoor Air...

U.S. Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Agency

Managing Asthma in Schools Managing Asthma in Schools through “Good” Indoor Air through “Good” Indoor Air

QualityQuality

U.S. Environmental Protection U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Agency

Managing Asthma in Schools Managing Asthma in Schools through “Good” Indoor Air through “Good” Indoor Air

QualityQuality

• Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic condition, accounting for 14,000,000 missed school days per year.condition, accounting for 14,000,000 missed school days per year.

• Asthma is the leading childhood illness which contributes to increased absenteeism, emergency room visits, and for some, it has lead to decreased physical activity.

• 75% of schools report needing to spend money on repairs, renovations, and 75% of schools report needing to spend money on repairs, renovations, and modernizations to put schools’ onsite buildings in overall good condition.modernizations to put schools’ onsite buildings in overall good condition.

Source: U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Source: U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. “Condition of America’s Public School Facilities.” 1999 Report“Condition of America’s Public School Facilities.” 1999 Report..

• According to CDC, childhood asthma has increased on average between 3.8 to 6.9 new cases.

Scope of ProblemScope of Problem

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 Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and eye and headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and eye and throat irritations inhibiting performance in the throat irritations inhibiting performance in the classroomclassroom

IAQ Contaminants• Cleansers

• Adhesives

• Paints

• Carpet

• Formaldehyde

• Personal Care Products

• Aerosol and solid room deodorants

• Vehicle exhaust

In addition to the physical symptoms experienced In addition to the physical symptoms experienced by school occupants, if these contaminants are by school occupants, if these contaminants are not managed properly, schools risk spending not managed properly, schools risk spending thousands in remediation costs.thousands in remediation costs.

Asthma

What does Asthma feel like?

• When your airways react, they get narrower and your lungs get less air. This can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night.

Symptoms

• Coughing, especially at night

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Symptoms

• Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out • Coughing that won't stop • Very rapid breathing • Chest pain or pressure • Tightened neck and chest muscles, called

retractions • Difficulty talking • Feelings of anxiety or panic • Pale, sweaty face • Blue lips or fingernails

What Can You Do?

Know your Asthma Triggers

Asthma TriggersMost common:• Pets• Cockroaches• Mold• Secondhand smoke• Dust mites

Others:

Respiratory infections, Pollen, outdoor air,

pollution, exercise, food allergies, cold air exposure.

EPA Publications

EPA Publications

EPA Publications

EPA Publications

Save the Date. EPA's 10th Annual IAQ TfS National Symposium will be January 14-16, 2010 Learn MoreRegistration is now open. We invite you to join IAQ experts and peers from across the nation at this premiere event. View the agenda and register today                                                

IAQ Tools for Schools Program

The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management

The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management: Six Key Drivers

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 24-48 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

The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management:

Six Technical Solutions

The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management

Fundamental Elements of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

IAQ Problems...

Pollutant

Pathway

People

•Building structure

•Ventilation

•Landscaping / pest control

•Etc.

There are two sides to IAQ “coin”

District School Occupants

•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

• Poor Communication

Tools for Schools

can help!

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!

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.

T-Stat covered –Has a nearby heat source

Room has heavy to Excessive clutter

Pass through vent to aChemical storage closet

Return air grille is obstructedBlocked or covered

Ozone Air Purifier

Learn a little about how your ventilation system works.

Outside air gets pulled in here.

Resources

EPA Regional Offices are EPA Regional Offices are here for you!here for you!

PartnershipsLocal American Lung AssociationLocal Health Department

Technical Assistance

IAQ Workshops

Website:http://www.epa.gov/region4/air/radon/

IAQ TfS Resources• IAQ Tools for Schools Program

– www.epa.gov/iaq/schools

• Schools IAQ Connector Listserv: – Send a blank e-mail message to schools_iaq_connector-

subscribe@lists.epa.gov. Then, check your e-mail inbox for your confirmation and membership details.

• IAQ Tools for Schools Updates and E-mails—– Send an e-mail to: IAQTfSConnector@cadmusgroup.com

– View archives at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/bulletins.html

• IAQ Tools for Schools Webinar Resources– http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/webconferences.html

IAQ TfS Resources cont.• IAQ Tools for Schools Awards Program:

http://epa.gov/iaq/schools/awards.html– Applications due Friday, October 8th, 2010

• IAQ TfS Regional Contacts: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html

• Ordering IAQ Tools for Schools Materials:– Contact National Service Center for Environmental

Publications (NSCEP)– http://www.epa.gov/nscep – Phone: 1-800-490-9198 Fax: 301-604-3408– Email: nscep@bps-lmit.com

Other Resources for Schools

• Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ): – http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ciaq/

• New EPA Guidance on Siting of School Facilities:– http://www.epa.gov/schools/siting.html

• National Education Association (NEA) new online training course:– “What’s Your IEQ? A Roadmap to School Indoor

Environmental Quality.” A part of NEA’s Online Academy http://www.neaacademy.org

EPA Asthma Program Resources

• National Asthma Forum– June 17-18, 2010– Washington, DC– https://www.epaasthmaforum.com

• AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org – Communities in Action – www.asthmacommunitynetwork.org/

• Air Quality Index (AQI)– http://www.airnow.gov

Thanks for your attention!

Lashon Blakely (EPA Region 4)

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program Manager

404-562-9136

Michele Curreri (EPA Headquarters)

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Program Manager

202-343-9099

Heidi LeSane (EPA Region 4)Asthma Program Manager404-562-9074