Most children spend at least 35 hours a week in school buildings.

Good indoor air quality is an important part of a healthy school environment.

School air quality can be improved by choosing safer products and ensuring good ventilation that replaces polluted air with fresh air.

Indoor air can be five times as polluted as outdoor air. Poor ventilation, off-gassing from building materials, furnishings and cleaning products, presence of mold, pest control products, and art and science supplies are some of the factors that affect indoor air quality (IAQ) in school buildings. IAQ is also affected by temperature and humidity.

Many school buildings are old, poorly maintained, inadequately ventilated, and at high risk for IAQ problems. An estimated one third of school ventilation and air filtration systems are rated as fair or poor and in need of repairs or updates. 

Pollutants in indoor air can irritate children’s eyes, nose, and throat, and cause  cough, respiratory problems, dizziness, and headaches. Poor air quality can make asthma and allergy symptoms worse. When classroom air quality is poor, children may have trouble focusing and learning. Taking steps to improve air quality can improve students’ school performance and overall health.

Cleaning and disinfecting products

Schools should implement green cleaning policies and encourage the use of safer disinfectants. Many common cleaning and disinfecting products contain chemicals that pollute the air, irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, and worsen asthma. Schools should avoid aerosols, foggers, and products that contain bleach, quaternary ammoniums, and fragrance. 

Products labeled “Green Seal Certified”, “EcoLogo”, or “EPA Safer Choice” are safer and effective, and often cost the same as conventional cleaners. 

Cleaning chemicals should never be used when children are present. 

Prescriptions for Prevention

COVID-19 Safer Disinfecting in Your Home

Green Cleaning

Other resources 

NYSCHECK: Safely Cleaning Your Home.

New York State Office of General Services: Green Cleaning Program. 

Art materials that may contain lead, chromium, mercury, and solvents are required to be labeled as Hazardous. Schools should select least-toxic art materials and train students and staff in use of personal protective equipment like masks and eye protection, hand washing, and steps to take in an emergency. Art and science laboratory spaces should be well-ventilated by opening doors and windows or using fans or HVAC systems. 

Other resources

Consumer Product Safety Commission: Art Materials

American Academy of Pediatrics: Choosing Safe Art Materials

The Art and Creative Materials Institute.  

Molds grow indoors where moisture or humidity are high. These include areas with leaks or where ventilation is poor. Exposure to mold can cause allergic or cold symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, and cough as well as worsen asthma. 

The first step in addressing mold is to identify the moisture source and areas of mold growth.  Sometimes mold grows in areas that can’t be seen like under carpets or behind walls. Areas of mold covering less than 10 square feet can be cleaned with water and soap, while larger areas should be addressed by trained individuals. Mold growth can be reduced by repairing leaks, lowering air moisture content, increasing air movement, and increasing air temperature. The relative humidity (amount of moisture in the air) in learning environments should be maintained between 30% and 50%.

Prescriptions for Prevention

Mold

Other resources

NYSCHECK: Mold Overview

School renovations and construction should be avoided during times when children are present. Older buildings built prior to the 1980s may contain lead paint or asbestos; for this reason renovations should be done only by certified contractors and trained workers. 

Some building products off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to poor indoor air quality. These include some paints, glues, furniture, carpeting, and flooring. Products labeled “No VOC” or “Low VOC” should be utilized in school buildings when possible. Maintenance and renovation work should be done in well-ventilated conditions.   

Construction dust is another contributor to poor air quality in school buildings. Construction work should be limited to non-school hours, and safe work practices should be used to keep dust levels low and contain dust in the work area. It’s important to clean up dust daily during construction using wet mops and vacuums with HEPA filters.  Sticky floor mats to reduce the tracking of dust on shoes into student areas should also be used. 

Prescriptions for Prevention

Safer Home Renovations and Repairs

Asbestos

Lead Paint

Inadequate ventilation is a major contributor to poor air quality. Opening doors or screened windows, using fans, and operating well-maintained heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems are all ways to increase ventilation, allowing more clean air into the classroom. If your school has central air conditioning or an HVAC system, consult with a professional about how to optimize air exchange and filtration.  

Opening windows is an important and effective way to improve ventilation.  However, periodically there are bad air quality days from pollen and other pollutants.  Check the Air Quality Index for current outdoor air quality measurements in your area and additional guidance for schools.

In certain situations where good ventilation isn’t possible, a portable air filter or purifier may also help to improve air quality. Air purifiers can effectively remove indoor air pollutants like dust, pollen, and some gases. We recommend air purifiers with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that is properly rated for the size of the space. Avoid PECO or PCO filters or other emerging ionizing technologies as some of these devices generate ozone which can irritate the lungs.

Prescriptions for Prevention

Indoor Air

Outdoor Air Quality

Other resources

ASHRAE: Technical Resources for Schools

CDC: Ventilation in Schools and Childcare Programs

American Lung Association: Clean Air at School

EPA: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home

Consumer Reports: Air Filter Buying Guide

Pollutants in indoor air can irritate children’s eyes, nose, and throat, and cause  cough, respiratory problems, dizziness, and headaches. Poor air quality can make asthma and allergy symptoms worse. When classroom air quality is poor, children may have trouble focusing and learning. Taking steps to improve air quality can improve students’ school performance and overall health. 

  Prescriptions for Prevention 

Indoor Air
Outdoor Air Quality
COVID-19 Safer Disinfecting in Your Home
Green Cleaning
Mold
Safer Home Renovations and Repairs
Asbestos
Lead Paint

Additional Resources