What factors in schools contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Several factors in schools can contribute to poor IAQ. Some of the most common problem include:

• Radon
• Classroom pets
• Excess moisture and mold
• Dry-erase markers and similar pens
• Dust and chalk
• Cleaning materials
• Personal care products
• Odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, caulk, and adhesives
• Insects and other pests
• Odors from trash
• Students and staff with communicable diseases

EPA offers guidance to address these common problems and many others and to help building managers establish preventive maintenance practices to reduce the frequency with which these problems occur in the IAQ Tools for Schools Preventive Maintenance Guidance. 

Learn more about IAQ in schools.
Learn more about radon.
Learn more about mold and moisture.