Environmental

Indoor Air Quality

Awards

JCPS has received special recognition from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its indoor air quality response program. In 2002 JCPS received an Excellence Award and in 2006 JCPS received a National Model of Sustained Excellence. PUT AWARD PHOTO HERE

IAQ Program

The JCPS Safety and Environmental office has established an ongoing program to address IAQ concerns by resolving problems in a timely manner. The JCPS program is based on the principles established by the EPA in their Tools for Schools Kit. The purpose is to investigate and identify possible causes and to follow-up with further investigations, maintenance repairs and/or ventilation system adjustments etc.

District IAQ Coordinator

Prior to contacting the District IAQ Coordinator, the principal and plant operator should first follow-up on a complaint by trying to resolve the issue at the school level. If the problem can’t be resolved at the school level, an IAQ Complaint Response Request Form should be signed by the teacher, plant operator and principal and submitted via fax to the District IAQ Coordinator for response. The District IAQ Coordinator, who is with the Safety and Environmental office will come out to the school, interview the teacher, locate possible causes and proceed to resolution that may require outside consulting or agency assistance.

Possible IAQ Concerns

Causes for poor indoor air quality can include the following:

• Dirty filters - filters should be changed every 3 months or when they get dirty.
  Unit ventilators with books on top -- blocked units prevent the air from coming into the classroom.
  
• Fan coil units with closed windows - a classroom window should be cracked open each day to allow in fresh air. Fan coil units have slant tops and they don’t bring in fresh air.
  
• Units blocked by couches or bookcases - these block the air from circulating and from being filtered by the unit.
  
• Too many plants - plants give off oxygen, but they are a source of mold. When a plant is watered the soil gives off spores and standing water in the saucer also gives rise to mold. They should be removed if mold is a concern.
  
• Animals/pets - these are fine occasionally, but animal dander is a trigger for asthma and allergies. They should be removed if this is a concern
  
• Odors/gasses - these have many sources and are a nuisance. If there is a measurable gas component, it could be a health concern, too. Natural gas leaks are a cause for an emergency so the leak can be repaired without injury.
  
• Dry drains - sink or floor J-traps in drains can dry out in winter, if they are not used. Water needs to be put down in these out-of-the-way drains that have dried out.
  
• Mold - this is caused by water, moisture, or high humidity. The source of the water intrusion must be discovered and remedied. The area of the mold should be disinfected and wiped clean. Stained ceiling tile should be changed. Water on carpets etc. must be dried out within 24-48 hours to prevent the formation of mold. Spotted vinyl floor tile has been tested in the laboratory and found to be mastic bleeding through and collecting dirt.
  
• Dust - dust can be an allergen. Daily dusting and changing of filters should control dust.
  
• Dust mites - these are microscopic and live in stuffed furniture, bedding and sometimes carpet. They can be extracted by vacuuming, steam cleaning, or by washing bedding.
  
• Roof leaks - these occur usually as a result of winter damage and need to be repaired in a timely manner or temporarily repaired until a more permanent fix can be made.
  
• Pipe leaks - these usually occur from moisture condensing on cold water pipes during air conditioning season, by a gap in the pipe insulation, or a drip at a valve. Occasionally the vent pipe has holes in it causing sewer to escape.
  
• Chemicals - chemicals used in a building can cause asthma triggers or allergies. Chemicals should be used sparingly including housekeeping chemicals and science chemicals. Large chemical spills must be treated as an emergency.

Click here for the Air Filter Log.

Click here for the Complaint Response Request Form.

Click here for EPA Tools for Schools IAQ presentation. (PowerPoint file)

Contact Jim Vaughn in the JCPS Safety, Environmental, and Housekeeping Services Department at 485-3698 for more information.