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IAQ in Schools

IAQ in Schools. Responding to Inquiries, Complaints, and Requests for Assistance. IAQ Contaminants. IAQ is affected by a broad range of stuff. Mold & other bioaerosols Carbon monoxide & other combustion pollutants VOCs Sewer gas Asbestos Fiberglass Dust & other particles Tobacco smoke

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IAQ in Schools

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  1. IAQ in Schools Responding to Inquiries, Complaints, and Requests for Assistance

  2. IAQ Contaminants IAQ is affected by a broad range of stuff • Mold & other bioaerosols • Carbon monoxide & other combustion pollutants • VOCs • Sewer gas • Asbestos • Fiberglass • Dust & other particles • Tobacco smoke • Other stuff

  3. IAQ Problems What causes IAQ problems? • Inadequate ventilation • Poor housekeeping • Poor maintenance • Operations and activities • Building design • People • The unexpected

  4. IAQ Symptoms What are the most common IAQ symptoms? • Eye, nose, and throat irritation • Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing • Headaches • Fatigue • Aggravated allergies and asthma • Respiratory infections

  5. Role of Public Health • No regulatory authority • Consultation and Assistance • Respond to inquiries, educate • Try to identify problems • Recommend solutions • Refer to internet and other resources • Review sampling reports and work plans • Attend public meetings

  6. Role of Public Health • Investigate real or potential IAQ/mold problem • Visual Inspections • Interview and Questionnaires • Review Absenteeism Records • Limited Testing • Conclusions and Recommendations

  7. Common Questions What do parents, teachers, and school administrators want to know? • Is the IAQ making my child/students/teachers sick? • There is an increased incidence of cancers, miscarriages, etc.. – is it the IAQ? • Can IDPH test air quality in schools? • Who can test the school for mold? • How can we tell if the mold is “toxic”? • What are the regulations?

  8. IAQ Complaints What are the most common complaints? • Mold • Dead, stale, or stuffy air • Poor housekeeping • Odors • Too hot or too cold

  9. Common Mistakes Where are schools going wrong? • Lack of Communication • Poor Maintenance • Scheduling operations & maintenance activities during session

  10. IAQ Tips and Tools • Use common sense • Visual Survey • Communicate with people • Take complaints seriously • Keep complaint logs People are complaining about IAQ. Now what?

  11. Visual Surveys • What clues should you look for? • Water damage or visible mold • Noticeable odors • Obvious sources & pathways • Placement of the outdoor air intakes • Dust or debris • Occupant activities

  12. Take Communication Seriously • Get complaint details • Who is complaining? • What is the nature of the complaint? • When did the problem start? • When does the problem occur? • Where does the problem occur? • Is anyone getting sick? • Respond to the complaint • Inform the complainant of corrective action taken • Keep a log

  13. Challenges Public Health Faces • Late involvement Solution: Improved communication • Periods of high call volume Solution: Schedule O&M activities during breaks • Deciphering magnitude of the problem Solution: Keeping complaint logs • Misconceptions by the media

  14. Who can I call for help? IAQ Resources • IDPH • Central Office: (217) 782-5830 • West Chicago Region: (630) 293-6800 • USEPA • Region 5, Chicago: (312) 353-2205

  15. Internet IAQ Resources • www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/toxtemp • www.epa.gov/iaq • www.cal-iaq.org • www.cdc.gov/niosh • www.lungsusa.org • www.moldupdate.com

  16. Mold Resources • IDPH Fact Sheets • Mold and Mildew • Moisture in the Home • Stachybotrys • USEPA Mold Remediation Document [http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html]

  17. Questions?

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