Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Students thrive in school environments that are healthy and safe.  Clean air is a matter of health and safety.  Ohio districts and schools need to address indoor air quality, especially during the pandemic. Improving indoor air quality helps to prevent the spread of disease, reduce asthma triggers, such as pollutants and irritants and reduce chronic absenteeism. Upgrades to school facilities will help improve indoor air quality, improve comfort and health conditions, support student learning, and provide reductions in energy bills. To get started, school officials can: 

• Establish an Indoor Air Quality Management Program that assesses indoor air quality, plans for upgrades and improvements and includes HVAC inspections and maintenance.    
• Optimize fresh air ventilation by bringing inside and circulating clean outdoor air
• Enhance air filtration using the central HVAC system and in-room air cleaning devices
• Get the community engaged by communicating with families the plan to improve the air quality of the school building. 

There is unprecedented support from Congress to improve Indoor Air Quality. American Rescue Plan (ARP) education funds can be used to make upgrades and improvements. ARP funding can be used for inspecting, testing and maintenance of current ventilation systems. It can be used to purchase filters, portable air filtration units and to upgrade HVAC systems. Schools can purchase equipment to run outdoor classes.  

Resources

Schools can visit the following websites to learn more about action steps and funding for improving indoor air quality: 

• The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit - United States Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance for schools on how to implement a practical plan for improving the indoor air quality in your school at little-or-no cost. 
• The Interactive School Ventilation Tool - Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interactive School Ventilation Tool shows schools the effects of use of ventilation systems such as HVAC system types (Terminal Unit vs Central Roof Top Units) and enhancements (Portable HEPA air cleaner vs Exhaust Fan).
• Efficient and Healthy Schools Campaign - Interagency effort between U.S. Departments of Energy and Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency, provide technical assistance and recognition to those schools who seek to implement high impact indoor air quality and efficiency improvements that improve efficiency and student and staff health.
• Financing Efficient and Healthy Retrofits - Funding opportunities for schools to implement energy-efficiency upgrades. 
• Improving Ventilation in Schools, Colleges, and Universities to Prevent COVID-19 -  United States Department of Education guidance on improving ventilation in schools. 
• Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond - United States Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) during the pandemic. 
• Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools: Plans, Practices and Principles for Maintaining Healthy Learning Environments - United States Environmental Protection Agency’s webinar series on planning, implementing, and maintaining healthy learning environments for students. 
• Ventilation in Schools and Childcare Programs - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on ventilation and maintaining a healthy environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Last Modified: 10/19/2023 8:30:38 AM

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