PowerPoint Presentation

Healthy Homes, Schools and Communities

Mansel A NelsonTribal Environmental Education Outreach ProgramInstitute for Tribal Environmental ProfessionalsNorthern Arizona Universitynau.edu/iaqtc

Welcome to Indoor Air in Tribal Schools Asthma, Tools for Schools, Radon and Mold, the fifth in the series of six webinars for the Clean, Green and Healthy Tribal Schools Initiative that have been broadcast each Wednesday since January 18 and through February 22 at this same time. Several of the programs are double features, such as the one next week on Energy Conservation and Water Conservation.

You are joining 106 other guests from communities, tribes, government agencies, universities, child care programs, state employees and businesses. Thank you for your interest in the health of our schools and communities.

Indoor Air in Tribal Communitiesnau.edu/iaqtc

Indoor Air Quality Assessment at Tohono OOdham

Introduction to Our LungsHealthy HomesHealthy SchoolsHealthy CommunitiesSpecial TopicsAsthmaRadonMold

Mansel: After an introduction to our lungs, we will be talking about IAQ in tribal schools. We will introduce the EPA Tools for Schools program, which can help you manage the air quality in your school building. Components of the TfS program include asthma, radon and mold, which we will also be talking about. Finally we will share some resources from our organization the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals.

Graylynn: Both Mansel and I worked on separate occasions with the Tohono OOdham school and environmental office to conduct indoor air assessments. During both visits, we worked with the teachers and students on the importance of conducting indoor air quality assessments as well. We also walked through the assessment process with the students and staff. Pictured is a Tohono OOdham student with a Wizard Stick, which will be described later in our presentation. Our Lungsnau.edu/iaqtcOur lungs are directly connected to the environment.

People breath continuously (Breathing is NOT optional)

Oxygen & carbon-dioxide pass through very thin walls of alveoliBut, any gas (poisonous ones, too) can pass through alveoli wallsAnd, very small particles can also pass through alveoli walls

Graylynn: Now Ill be talking about our lungs and indoor air quality. Here is a picture of lungs. Our lungs are directly connected to the environment, we will breathe in any gases that are in the air whether we want to or not. Cardiovascular ConnectionGases and small particles distributed widely after entering bloodstream If lungs are not functioning properly, heart must work harder

CO causes heart problemsSome fumes can make us dizzyPeople with COPD end up with Congestive heart failure4Healthy Homesnau.edu/iaqtc

An Ordinary HouseA Chemical HouseTVs & ComputersPersonal Care/CosmeticsCleaning Products & PesticidesFlooringFurnitureCarpetingFurnitureAutomobileAir Pollution Levels in HomesPollution inside typical home 25x worse than outdoorsLevels may be 1,000x background outdoor after various activitiesIndoor air pollution one of top 5 most-serious environmental risks to public healthFifty percent (50%) of all illnesses traced back to home

Sources of PollutantsAverage American household uses 40 lbs of chemicals each yearAverage household stores more than 60 hazardous productsLoaded with fragrances and petroleum-distilled chemicals Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Pollutants Air FreshenersInterfere with ability to smell by way of nerve-deadening agentCoat nasal passages with undetectable oil filmCover up one smell with another(Rarely) break down offensive odorAir fresheners do little to freshen the air

Healthy Schools

nau.edu/iaqtcPromote a healthy learning environment at your school to reduce absenteeism, improve test scores and enhance student and staff productivity.

Graylynn: And now Id like to introduce the Tools for Schools Program. The Tools for Schools Program was developed by the EPA and is a comprehensive indoor air quality management program. The purpose of the program is to promote a healthy learning environment to reduce absenteeism, improve test scores and enhance student and staff productivity.

What are pollutant sources in tribal schools?People - everyone is a source of pollutantsPersonal care productsStudents & staff with communicable diseasesRadonClassroom petsExcess moisture leading to moldDry-erase markers and chalkCleaning materialsOdors from paint, caulk, and adhesivesInsects and other pestsOdors from trashOutdoor pollutants

nau.edu/iaqtc

Mansel: The most common pollutant source is people. Each person brings with them a variety of pollutants including body odors and attempts to hide body odors with chemicals. People also carry diseases which can be shared via the air. An important pollutant source often overlooked is radon, which comes from the earth. We will be talking more about radon later in the presentation. Teachers and students bring a variety of air pollutant sources into the room including pets and dirt on their feet. The classroom can also be impacted by pollutants from the outside. The picture represents something I find all too often in classrooms. When I asked a teacher why they had a chemical air freshener in the classroom I was informed that sixth graders stink. Air fresheners in the classroom add more pollutants to the air and should be recognized as a cry for help.What is the EPA IAQ TfS Program?nau.edu/iaqtc

IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html

Guides & Check lists for: IAQ Coordinator Teachers Administrators Maintenance staff Health staff

Video Collection: Action plan Ventilation basics Walk through guide

Graylynn: A Tools for Schools Action Kit is available online through the EPA website. The kit provides simple, easy-to-follow steps to implement an indoor air quality management program. The kit includes resources, checklists for the various individuals within a school such as the cafeteria staff and custodial staff. The Action Kit is available online through the website address www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/actionkit.html

Healthy CommunitiesImprove health in communities related to air qualityReduce exposure to cigarette smokenau.edu/iaqtc

www.nau.edu/eeop

Leading Cause of Lung CancerSmoking is leading cause of lung cancer Causes an estimated 160,000 deaths in the U.S. every year (American Cancer Society, 2004 Harms nearly every bodily organCausing many diseases, degrades healthEstimated 438,000 deaths (nearly 1 of 5 deaths) each year in U.S.More than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined

www.nau.edu/eeop

Surgeon General Report Second-Hand SmokeMillions of Americans, children and adults, still exposed to second-hand smokeSecond-hand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smokeExposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects Cardiovascular system and causes Coronary heart diseaseLung cancer

www.nau.edu/eeop

Surgeon General Report Second-Hand Smoke The scientific evidence indicates there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smokewww.nau.edu/eeop

Surgeon General Report Second-Hand SmokeEliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects nonsmokers Following actions DO Not protect nonsmokersSeparating smokers from nonsmokersCleaning the airVentilating buildingsAsthma in Tribal CommunitiesProtecting the health of the next generation. nau.edu/iaqtc

12% of people living in tribal communities Compared to the current national average of 7%.1 13.0% of American Indian/Alaska Native childrenCompared to 8.9% of children in the U.S. 2

1 CDC. Surveillance for asthma---United States, 1980--1999. In: CDC Surveillance Summaries (March 29). MMWR 2002;51(No. SS-1).2 Asthma Prevalence Among US Children in Underrepresented Minority Populations: American Indian/Alaska Native, Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian. Brim, Rudd, Funk, and Callahan. PEDIATRICS: 122(1). July 2008, pp. e217-e222.

Graylynn: Asthma in tribal communities is a particular concern.

A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that asthma affects almost 12 percent of people living in tribal communities nearly double the current national average of 7 percent. Asthma also affects American Indian/Alaska Native children at a higher rate than children nationwide.

AsthmaMany potential triggers are air pollutantsInflammation of airwaysBlocking, narrowing airways, mucousnau.edu/iaqtc

Graylynn: Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow.

The picture on left shows a normal airway while the picture on the right shows the airway of someone with asthma.

Asthma leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

nau.edu/iaqtcWhat makes Asthma Worse?

Allergens such as:Dust mitesCockroachesFurred and feathered animalsPollens (grass and trees)Molds (indoor and outdoors)Nitrogen dioxide

www.cliver.comGraylynn: Again, asthma triggers differ for individuals. The typical triggers are listed on this slide.

One that people normally dont realize is a trigger is cockroaches. There are certain proteins in cockroach feces and saliva that may cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Nitrogen dioxide is another trigger. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. NO2 can come from appliances inside your home that burn fuels such as gas, kerosene and wood. NO2 forms quickly from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants and off-road equipment. Smoke from your stove or fireplace can trigger asthma.Studies show a connection between breathing elevated short-term NO2 concentrations, and increased visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory issues, especially asthma.

nau.edu/iaqtcWhat makes Asthma Worse?

Irritants such as:Environmental tobacco smokeAir pollution including wood smoke Scented products Strong fumes or odors

Graylynn: Irritants can also make asthma worse.

Outdoor air pollution, including diesel exhaust from buses, can cause asthma episodes. The Tools for Schools program recommends passing a no-idling policy near school buildings to reduce indoor air pollution from school bus exhaust.

Scented products, such as perfumes, body creams or scented candles cause some peoples asthma to flare-up.

As Mansel mentioned, school personnel may contribute to the problem by using products in the school to mask other smells and odors.

www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon

Radioactive gasRadon in air is ubiquitous Found in outdoor air and indoor air of buildings of all kinds No known safe level of radon

www.radonleaders.orgMansel: Radon is a radioactive gas found everywhere. It is found both outdoors and indoors. It is found in all kinds of buildings. There is no known safe level of radon exposure.www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon Daughters

Radon, Polonium, Lead, Bismuth, and Polonium have short half-lives

Results in several exposures in a short time

Mansel: USE POINTERRadon is the decay product from Uranium as shown in this chart. The precursors to radon are all solid, so it is difficult for them to move around. Once radium decays to radon, radon is a gas and can move around. Another factor to consider is the short half life of radon and its daughters. Within a short amount of time there are several decays, each releasing radiation that can lead to damage in the lungs.www.nau.edu/eeop

Radon Testing

Radon test kits for tribal communities can be ordered online at http://www.nau.edu/iaqtcMansel: Radon test kits for tribal communities, including schools can be ordered via our website. The canisters need to be exposed for the time period outlined in the instructions and sent to a laboratory to be tested.

Radon Mitigation

www.nau.edu/eeop

Mansel: If radon mitigation is required, the mitigation process involves diverting the radon around the building as shown in these pictures. Moldnau.edu/iaqtc

Mansel: Mold is actually a moisture problem. Here you see mold as you would see it under a microscope. The tiny mold spores add particles to the air. The mold itself can break into small particles and contaminate the air. Mold is generally easy to smell, but sometime it can be hard to find.nau.edu/iaqtcMold

Molds live in the soil, on plants, on dead or decaying organic matterOutdoors - breaks down leaves, wood, plant debrisIndoors - air pollution and destroys buildings

Mansel: Outdoors mold plays an important role in helping break down leaves, wood and plant debris. Indoors mold contributes to air pollution and is an asthma trigger.nau.edu/iaqtcMold Basics - Health

People have lots of different reactions to moldSymptoms can include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaintsMolds can be found almost anywhere

Mansel: One of the confusing aspects of the health issues is that people have lots of different reactions to mold. While some people appear to tolerate mold, others can have a variety of symptoms including allergic reactions and other respiratory problems. Molds can be found almost anywhere in a building, since buildings are typically built out of mold food.nau.edu/iaqtcMold Basics - Cleaning

Mold growth begins within 24-48 hours of getting wet

Protect staff and building occupants during cleanup

Clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moistureClean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completelyAbsorbent materials such as ceiling tiles may need to be replaced

cleaningnetwork.comMansel: Mold growth will generally start 24 to 48 hours of getting wet, so you want to keep things dry. If mold does grow, you want to clean it up and eliminate the source of moisture. There is no need for harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach to kill the mold. Simple removal with soap and water is fine on hard surfaces. Absorbent materials like ceiling tiles or carpets may need to be replaced. It is important to protect those doing the clean up and building occupants during the clean up. Large clean-up operations require significant protective measures such as ventilation and plastic sheeting.nau.edu/iaqtcResources from ITEP

Air Quality Outreach Program (nau.edu/eeop)Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities (IAQTC)Technical AssistanceWeb resources (nau.edu/iaqtc)Radon Testing (nau.edu/iaqtc)American Indian Air Quality Training Program (nau.edu/itep)

Mansel: