Ensuring Correct Ventilation in the Design and Construction Phase for a Healthy School Environment

Creating Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools

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EPA offers information and resources for school officials and staff, teachers, health care professionals, parents, and students to help improve indoor air quality in schools. Read more about:

More about indoor air quality

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Why It's Important

  • Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. 
  • Adequate air ventilation, filtration and exhaust can help reduce the effects of radon and carbon monoxide. Well-maintained systems capture and remove airborne vapor, mold and particles that can be asthma triggers, allergens and infectious or toxic to humans. 
  • Growing evidence suggests that improving outdoor air ventilation can improve student and teacher performance, increase test scores and reduce airborne transmission of infection.

What You Can Do

  • Follow the industry's ventilation standards to provide adequate outdoor air, control moisture and minimize energy costs.
  • Comply with your state's relevant environmental health policies and emergency management protocols when conducting ventilation and filtration maintenance activities.
  • Read the Ensure Good Ventilation section of EPA's model K-12 school environmental health program for more information.

EPA and Federal Partners

Find an IAC Cahmpion near you!

 

IAQ Champions in your area can help with peer-to-peer learning and sharing.

National Organizations

Regional, State and Local Resources