Many of our nation's schools are in disrepair due to poor building design and construction, and inadequate financial resources for maintenance. Tax payers and municipal officials are often uninformed or unconvinced of the necessity for renovation and maintenance in order to promote a healthy school environment. While the medical community recognizes many triggers for asthma and other respiratory diseases, there is often a gap between the health data and potential environmental causes of specific outcomes. As a result, decision-makers may not be compelled to take corrective actions. Expensive air quality testing provides information, but may be inconclusive or misinterpreted. We provide a compilation of existing literature relating to indoor air contaminants, including dusts, allergens and bioaerosols and adverse health outcomes. A written guideline intended to provide a basis for environmental intervention and to extend the utility of indoor air quality programs (such as the EPA's Tools for Schools) is in preparation. The guideline is based on the published health and environmental data and provides assistance for bridging the gap between the health community and school administration. The objective of the guideline is to demonstrate practical collaborations to assess school buildings, develop cost-effective renovation and maintenance plans, and to assist communities in protecting the health of children and school staff.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to 1. describe a practical approach for identifying environmental hazards in schools 2. prioritize financial and personnel resources for remediating environmental hazards in schools
Keywords: School Health, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.