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Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor Environmental Quality. Conquer Asthma – Assure Adequate Outside Air. THE BIG PICTURE… People spend most of their time indoors The indoor environment is generally not regulated.

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Indoor Environmental Quality

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  1. Indoor Environmental Quality Conquer Asthma – Assure Adequate Outside Air

  2. THE BIG PICTURE… People spend most of their time indoors The indoor environment is generally not regulated

  3. Exposure to indoor allergens can lead to serious illness including asthma.Asthma is a leading chronic illness among U.S. children, and a leading cause of school absenteeism. Source: CDC: Asthma Health Topic: www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/asthma

  4. In 2005 the asthma incidence rate among children <18 years old was 8.9%1On average, in a classroom of 30 children, about 3 are likely to have asthma2 Sources: 1. National Health Interview Survey, 2005. CDC. 2. CDC: Asthma Health Topic: www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/asthma/

  5. Why do some get sick …… and others do not?

  6. Dust Mites Molds Animal Dander Pollen Allergenic Chemicals Allergen Exposure Allergic Disease Immunologic Sensitization Genetic Predisposition Or Susceptibility Mild Moderate Severe (Death) Viruses Air Pollution Tobacco Smoke Other Exposures Adapted from: Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling Adverse Health Effects, N.A.P., 1993

  7. Allergen Adapted from: Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling Adverse Health Effects, N.A.P., 1993 Initial exposure Repeated exposure IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE IgE Non-Sensitive Host Sensitized Host Hypersensitive Host No to Mild Allergic Symptoms Overt Allergic Symptoms No Allergic Symptoms

  8. How does circulation of indoor air differ between homes and schools?

  9. Homes have windows, doors and chimneys which allow FRESH air to enter and exit the space

  10. Schools are built tightly to conserve energy

  11. In most schools the ONLY way FRESH air reaches occupants is through the HVAC system.

  12. HeatingVentilation &Air Conditioning system

  13. Outdoor air Exhaust Mix Return air Supply air HVAC System in Standard Classroom

  14. HVAC = Sealed systemDetermines concentration of contaminantsIf not working well, particles and contaminant levels will increase

  15. Adequate classroom ventilation is needed to Reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants such as CO2 and fine particles Provide an adequate amount of fresh air to the occupants in the space Effectively exchange the stale used air from the space

  16. What canyou do to help?

  17. This is a Uni-vent

  18. DO NOT cover ceiling or uni-vent openings with books, papers or other obstructions

  19. Check for air circulation with a tissue strip on the end of a yardstick. • If air is not circulating, contact custodial services.

  20. Typical school particle contaminant sources: Pets: Animal dander, saliva, feces, urine Things from outside: Pollen, insect parts Mold: Old food or wet conditions in building Dust mites: Stuffed couches, chairs and stuffed animals and fleecy items

  21. Increased exposure to fine particles containing allergens or chemical contaminants may lead to illness or disease, especially asthma.

  22. Fine dust particles are released: By roughhousing on the donated couch By resident animals By walking on carpeting By moving dust or dusty items

  23. If not removed by circulated fresh air, picked up by dusting or removed by quality vacuuming or carpet extraction, particles (allergens) build up in the space and increase exposure to occupants.

  24. Some things you expect as contaminant sources: Cleaning supplies Pesticides Lab chemicals Art supplies Dry erase pens, smelly markers

  25. Other things you may not expect as contaminant sources: Candles Plug-ins Perfume Hair spray Ionizing or Ozone producing“Air Purifiers”

  26. What canyou do to reduce or eliminate asthma triggers and contaminants?

  27. Remove couches, stuffed chairs, fluffy furniture, bedding, stuffed animals and old carpeting.

  28. Remove live animals from the classrooms (visitors only)

  29. What can you do? Advocate a policy limiting chemicals brought from home For example: • Hair sprays • Perfumes • Cleaners • Plug-ins • Candles

  30. What can you do to help keep the classroom clean? Help your custodian to do a great job for you!!

  31. How to help the custodian: Before you dismiss your class, have your students clear the floor around their desks and place their chairs on their desks or stack them.This makes it easier for the custodian to vacuum and allows for cleaning of horizontal surfaces - removing dust.

  32. Other helps: Use dust free storage such as stackable plastic cubes for books and papers Clear horizontal surfaces so these may be easily wiped down Conduct messy projects over tiled room sections or protect carpeting with tarps

  33. What to do next: Talk to your association representative Learn about safety committees Learn about IEQ committees More information is available on the WEA web site

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