Indoor air quality – Where we learn matters

It is important to provide our students with a healthy and comfortable learning environment, but what does that actually mean? More and more school districts are taking a closer look at their Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) practices and the many issues that need to be considered. At Lincoln Public Schools, it is the Environmental Department that is dedicated to monitoring and preventing issues with air quality, mold, chemicals, and other environmental concerns. Whether it is a routine inspection or a burst pipe in the middle of the night, our environmental team is making sure staff and students always have a healthy place to work and learn.

When it comes to IAQ, the overarching goal is to reduce exposure to indoor environmental factors including dust, pollen, mold, and carbon monoxide. The presence of these harmful particles can lead students to experience allergic reactions or, even more seriously, asthma symptoms. The majority of these particles and substances are not easily recognizable or visible in the air, which makes maintaining good IAQ in schools a crucial step toward minimizing health risks. We also know that air quality can be linked to student performance and absenteeism.

While the environmental team is the leader of district efforts to maintain healthy learning spaces, there are certainly ways our staff are helping through the decisions they make in their classrooms. You may not even realize how teachers are contributing to these efforts, because many of the issues linked to indoor air quality can come from surprising sources. Here are a few of those areas that need to be considered, according to the U.S. Green Building Council:

Classroom Pets	Upholstered Furniture
While pets in the classroom can provide a valuable experience in responsibility, we also know that they can aggravate allergies and attract pests. This is why it is important to have clear policies in place for maintaining the homes of classroom pets.	Who wouldn’t prefer to lounge on a comfy couch instead of sitting in a desk? Unfortunately, upholstered furniture will attract dust mites that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Air Fresheners	Windows
These may seem like a harmless addition to the classroom setting, but air fresheners can actually mask odors that are pointing to a more important issue that needs to be addressed. They could also contain chemicals that are hazardous to student and staff health.	While windows are often viewed as an opportunity to let in some “fresh” air, they also allow pollutants and irritating allergens into the building. Lincoln Public Schools is able to take great pride in the geothermal HVAC systems installed throughout the district because they provide a comfortable and healthy learning environment.

 

Updated March 14, 2024