Grading The Air Quality In Schools (NAPSA)—A student’s grades might not just depend on how hard he hits the books. They may also dependon the cleanliness of the air he breathes. Studies show that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect student performance and that nearly 20 percent of the schools in the United States have problems linked to indoor air quality. Studies have also linked poor TAQ to respiratory illnesses, allergy and asthma symptoms, headaches and fatigue—problems that can lead to student and teacher absences and productivity problems. In fact, the American Studies have linked indoor air quality and student performance. Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) are goodplaces to start. In addition, schools can obtain the EPA’s IAQ Lung Association found that children in the U.S. miss more than 14 million school days each year because of asthma. NewSolutions TAQ issues can be dealt with— if action is taken. Yet the National Center for Education Statistics reports that most districts with TAQ troubles failed to respond to early warning signs. Fortunately, several states have proposed developing standards and guidelines for school TAQ andfor inspecting schools to ensure that they meet those standards. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency now Tools for Schools, a free kit that can be used to educate staff, students What You Can Do plan that will improve IAQ for the offers an IAQ kit to schools. Experts say teachers, parents and students can each help improve a school’s air quality. Theyoffer thesetips: Learn—Educate yourself on indoor air quality issues. The EPA (www.epa.gov) and the American and parents about the importance of good IAQ andtheir roles in ensuring a healthy, comfortable learning environment. Teach—Teachers may want to incorporate the topic of IAQ into lessons within a science, health or vo-tech curriculum. Advanced students looking for more-detailed information on therole air filtration plays in IAQ canvisit the Resource Center at www.kcfiltration.com. Act—Parents can work with the PTA to improve school IAQ. Start by initiating a study of the school’s existing IAQ. Next, work with school officials to develop a long term by upgrading the school’s air filtration system and making additional improvements. Local businessesor other organizations may be open to “adopting” your school to support your IAQ program.
