The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70847

Robert Axelrad, Indoor Environments Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20460, 202-564-9370, axelrad.bob@epa.gov

School indoor environments are a primary public health concern; an estimated 55 million people, or 20% of the U.S. population, spend time in school buildings. A survey conducted by the U.S. Government Accounting Office estimated that 30% of the existing school facilities in the U.S. are in need of repair. According to the National Center for Education Statistics of the Department of Education, in 1999, 43% of America's public schools-about 33,800 schools-reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition. Indoor air quality was reported to be unsatisfactory in about 20% of US schools. Public health professionals can play a significant role in facilitating the improvement of the school environment. In this session, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations will present strategies for improving school environments, including federal/state partnerships on school indoor air quality; using school indoor air quality as a starting point for implementing a comprehensive school environmental management program; and strategies to address the special concerns of large urban school districts.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will (
• be familiar with environmental risks common in schools, (
• be aware of state policies related to school environments, (
• be able to form an action plan for addressing and facilitating resolution of common environmental challenges in schools.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment