IAQ Tools for Schools
Develop Your Program
Solutions to Common Issues
Source Control and Chemical Management
One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) is to eliminate individual sources of pollution, including chemicals, or to reduce their emissions. Chemicals may be used by students, teachers, facility personnel and administrative staff throughout a school. Consider the possible health, safety and environmental implications before buying a particular chemical. Proper chemical use and management, including storage, labeling and disposal, is critical for reducing chemical exposures and costly accidents.
Common Solutions to Source Control and Chemical Management Issues:
There are hazardous chemicals contained on school property that have not been properly addressed.
- Implement a hazardous materials plan detailing chemical use, labeling, storage and disposal using the Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign as a resource.
- Establish a school chemical management and inventory plan.
- Conduct regular building walkthrough inspections; tailor the Walkthrough Inspection Backgrounder (PDF) (1 page, 423 K, about PDF) and Checklist (PDF) (2 pp., 71 K) | (DOC, 2 pp., 75 K) to fit your school's needs.
I want to minimize student, teacher and administrative staff exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Conduct pollutant-releasing activities only when the school is unoccupied.
- Use walk-off mats at building entrances.
- Implement comprehensive tobacco-free school policies.
- Establish an anti-idling school bus policy.
I want to ensure our school buildings don't have elevated radon levels.
- Test all school buildings for radon, and mitigate if necessary.
- Track radon test results, assessment data and pending actions so that facility maintenance can plan accordingly.
- Retest according to plan if schools were mitigated to ensure radon mitigation systems are functioning properly.
- Schedule re-testing following all major renovations, and consider how HVAC modifications or upgrades may affect radon intrusion.
For more information on source control, read about Environmental Contaminants in Schools.
Solutions to Common Issues
Resource Highlights
Managing Radon in Schools
(PDF) (3 pp., 391 K)
This document includes strategies on how to manage radon in school environments based on the Framework for Effective School IAQ Management: Key Drivers.
IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit - Appendix G: Radon
This document provides guidance on planning, implementing and evaluating a radon testing program for schools.
Sample Idling Policy
A sample anti-idling policy that could be implemented to reduce emissions from school bus engines.
Chemical Management Resource Guide for School Administrators
This guide is aimed especially at helping school administrators set policies that protect against dangerous chemical exposures.
Webinar Resource: Prevent Air Pollution at the Source: Schools Chemical Cleanout (PDF) (79 pp., 1.78 M)