Indoor Air Quality Resource Collection

The purpose of the AASA Indoor Air Quality Resource Collection is to provide school system leaders with a comprehensive list of facts, resources, and the steps to take to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). It was created by AASA and made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency Award Number XA-83302301.

Table of Contents:

Introduction:  Letter from Daniel A. Domenech, AASA's executive director, encouraging school system leaders to utilize the Resource Collection to help create a healthier school environment.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

Fact Sheets

• Moisture and Mold- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory issues or complaints.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Because children are particularly susceptible to air pollutants, proper design, operation and maintenance of the ventilation system is essential in providing a healthy school environment.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - A school IPM program uses strategies to reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests, including the judicious and careful use of pesticides when necessary.
• Source Control- Source control is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality as it eliminates individual sources of pollution or reduces their emissions.
• Materials Selection- From an indoor air quality perspective, one should select materials that are the least toxic, low-VOC, water-based adhesives and coatings constituents; emit little or no odor; are easy to clean and maintain; and are not susceptible to moisture damage that can foster mold growth.
• Indoor Environmental Asthma Triggers- Environmental asthma triggers commonly found in school buildings are:
• cockroaches;
• dust mites;
• diesel exhaust from school bus idling;
• tobacco smoke;
• chemicals and cleaning products.   

Why should school leaders be concerned about indoor air quality?

• Student Health
• Student Performance
• Liability

The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management

District and State Policies

Emergency Planning Kit – A checklist to guide you in the event of an environmental health crisis.

Sharing in Successes - Learning from your peers

Essential Resources for School District Leaders

• American Association of School Administrators
• Environmental Protection Agency

Additional IAQ Resources

IAQ Resource Collection Feedback and Evaluation

Please note: Many of the items in the Indoor Air Quality Resource Collection include links to the full text of materials from outside organizations. While we provide these links for your convenience, their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of AASA. Please check each website for copyright information.