You can take steps to improve air quality in Washington schools. Please share this information with staff and parents; ask facility managers to post it in an area where it will be regularly read, such as above the photocopy machine, on the door of the cleaning supplies closet, in the teachers’ lounge, and in the bathrooms of staff and teachers.

BASIC STEPS FOR IMPROVED
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN SCHOOLS

FACILITY MANAGEMENT FOR GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)

• Ensure an effective Indoor Air Quality reporting and response plan is in effect
• Ensure an on-site Indoor Air Quality Coordinator or Manager is assigned and accountable

REDUCE INDOOR SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTANTS

• Ensure adequate ventilation with clean outside air – follow WA Ventilation and IAQ Code
• Choose safer construction & finish materials, and furnishings
• Locate printers, photocopy, laminating machines in negative pressure zone with exhaust fans
• Purchase safer cleaning products & art supplies, and provide guidance on proper use
• Encourage wise use of scented personal care products (perfumes, etc.)
• Control fumes and dust during remodeling – conduct work during unoccupied periods
• Provide exhaust fans/fume hoods and personal safety equipment in labs and art rooms
• Use water-soluble markers and non-solvent cleaners on white boards
• Keep carpets and bare surfaces free of dust. Vacuum every day.

KEEP POLLUTANTS OUT

• Prevent vehicle exhaust and other pollutants from entering outside air intakes
• Avoid pesticide use indoors, in crawl spaces, or near buildings (use Integrated Pest Management)
• Remove allergens (pets, moldy plant soil, flowers, upholstered furniture, dirty carpet, etc.)
• Use walk-off or barrier mats at entrances (long enough for at least 4 footsteps)
• Seal air leaks from crawl spaces, garages, utility tunnels, storage areas, etc.
• Avoid herbicide use on school grounds

FUNGI, MOLD, MILDEW, WATER DAMAGE

• Fix all roof, wall, and plumbing leaks as soon as possible (molds can start growing in 48 hours)
• Provide air circulation and keep surfaces warm (insulation and/or additional heat)
• Control moisture build-up indoors:
• Use exhaust fans in high moisture areas: bathrooms, locker rooms, laundry, kitchen
• Do not line-dry laundry indoors, make sure clothes dryer is ducted to the outside and duct is open and clean
• Seal air leaks from crawlspaces and other damp locations
• Dry carpet and other materials thoroughly as soon as possible within 24 to 48 hours maximum
• Isolate area and provide personal protection when cleaning fungi, molds, particles, and when using chemicals

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE FOR GOOD IAQ

• Ensure adequate ventilation during occupied periods - - monitor Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) levels
• Monitor air flow directions (pressures) - - air should move from "clean to dirty"
• Use 30% Dust Spot Efficiency air filters (or better)
• Check air filters frequently, and change as needed - - i.e. 30, 90, 120, or 180 days
• Keep intake screens, coils, and ducts clean and dry
• Ensure drip pans in air handling systems drain properly –clean 2 times per year – avoid chemical treatments

FOR RESOURCES AND ADDITIONAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

• Call the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at 800-438-4318
• Check the EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/)
• Contact the your local American Lung Association® (www.lungusa.org) at 800-LUNG-USA
• Contact the American Lung Association® of Washington at (206) 441-5100 or within Washington 800-LUNG-USA
• Contact the Washington Education Association (www.wa.nea.org)
• Contact the Washington State Department of Health (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/IAQ.HTM)
• Contact Washington State University’s Energy Program (www.energy.wsu.edu)
• Or contact the Washington State PTA (www.wastatepta.org)